"The fundamental theory of liberty upon which all government in this Union reposes excluded any general power of the state to standardize its children by forcing them to accept instruction from public teachers only. The child is not the mere creature of the state; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations." --1925 Pierce decision, the U.S. Supreme Court

Catholic educators support the right of parents to choose schools for their children. This fundamental liberty - the belief that "the child is not the mere creature of the state" - was upheld by the Pierce decision.

Today millions of Americans exercise the right to choose schools. This freedom, however, depends on their ability to pay tuition to a private school or to live in neighborhoods where the public school system meets the needs of their children.

While NCEA endorses educational choice for all Americans, it has a special concern for the children of the poor. These children are our children too. Priority should be given to assistance for low- and middle-income families, enabling them to increase educational options for their children.

The commitment of Catholic educators to economically disadvantaged children is reflected by the fact that almost 50 percent of Catholic schools are located in urban, inner city and rural areas serving children from low-income families, and almost 25 percent of the enrollment is comprised of minority students.

NCEA further believes that:

• any campaign to improve American schools must include a commitment to educational choice;
• choice programs must respect civil rights laws;
• educational choice can promote academic excellence by fostering basic reforms and creating a competitive climate, one responsive to parental concerns and leading to improved student performance;
• parental control will exact more accountability from educators and increase their local autonomy and flexibility;
• any public-funded educational choice program must include private and religiously affiliated schools and
• the First Amendment does not prohibit aid to parents and families, even those who select religiously affiliated schools.

If children are not the mere creatures of the state, they are entitled to attend schools, which will help them develop their full potential - regardless of race, creed or the ability to pay.