Institute for Policy Innovation: While Supreme Court Ruling Opens Great New Era of American...

Business Editors & Education Writers

The Supreme Court's judgment upholding Cleveland's school voucher program launches an exciting new era for schooling in America.

But given the somewhat narrow holding by the Supreme Court, many activists should be cautioned not to fall

"Activists could easily and naively turn into copycats, simply for fear of stepping outside the constitutional boundaries the Court has outlined," says George Pieler, Director of the IPI Center for Education Freedom. "But however understandable and low-risk temptation to duplicate the Cleveland program is, such action would be a serious mistake."

Cleveland's students are better off today; so is American education as a whole, because now we can see clear to a freer, more flexible, more responsive, and more accountable education sector.

"While there will still be many bumps along the way--political, economic, and even judicial--a huge hurdle has been crossed, thanks to the Supreme Court. And thanks to the brave souls who crafted, fought for, and participated in Cleveland's bold initiative, all American schoolchildren now face a brighter future," continued Pieler.

The Court should be applauded for giving a green light to everyone who cares about education freedom because they've basically said "It's OK to try different things, and you can afford to take chances in pursuit of that goal."

The new flexibility the Court has shown today is light years ahead of the muddled and rigid jurisprudence that has blocked the schoolhouse door for too long.

If you would like further information, please contact Misty Woodruff at 972/874-5139 or by email at misty@ipi.org. Mr. Pieler is available for interview.