Staff Reports
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed a $72 billion budget that prohibited granting funds for the Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program to any schools that require a “faith statement,” according to The Daily Caller News Foundation. This action led several concerned parents to file a lawsuit with Becket Law against the governor, State Commissioner Of Education Willie Jett, and the State Department of Education (DOE), claiming that the new rule discriminated against their children’s Christian beliefs.
Minnesota Parents Sue Gov. Walz for Lack of School Mask Mandate https://t.co/yULzGX9GPP via @newsmax
— Chris 🇺🇸 (@Chris_1791) September 6, 2021
The PSEO program permits 10th through 12th grade students to earn college credit, tuition-free, for college-level courses while still enrolled in high school. The program encourages students to pursue college-level academics at schools of their preference. The new budget explains that higher education institutions would lose ple eligibility for PSEO funding if they compel students to provide a statement of faith or racial, ethnic, or religious creed as an admission requirement.
We’re making massive investments in schools. We’re rebuilding our roads. And we’re giving money directly back to Minnesotans who need it most, whether through direct checks or child tax credits.
This budget it historic – and I’m incredibly proud to sign it into law. pic.twitter.com/MJDepiwXMC— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) May 24, 2023
The complaint declared that under the Carson v. Makin case, a school that receives government funds cannot discriminate against students because of their religious beliefs. The Supreme Court believes that religious schools and their families are members of the community and should receive equal treatment. The parents of Minnesota insist that the new rule goes against the First Amendment of the Constitution and unfair treatment for students.
In a press release, the Loe family, plaintiffs in the lawsuit, stated, “All we want is for the rest of our children to have the same opportunity to be educated in an environment consistent with their religious beliefs. Rather than discriminating against people of faith, Minnesota should be looking for ways to help all students find a school that best fits their interests and values.”
The Minnesota DOE is currently reviewing the complaint. No comments have been made by Governor Walz, Commissioner Jett, or the Becket Law firm. It is only fair that all religions are given equal treatment when it comes to education. Governor Walz’s new budget prohibiting funds to schools that require “faith statements” should not be made based on a student’s religion but the education they have to offer.
