TO:  Letter to the Editor      


REF:  Tax Church Schools To End Social Segregation

Should socially segregated churches which operate private schools 
be taxed out of existence?  Should churches which foster social 
segregation be permitted to operate tax exempt schools at all?  
These are questions which need explored given the fact that the 
growth of private church based schools is a major factor which 
functions to institutionalize social segregation while at the 
same time deteriorating the public education system not only in 
Alabama, but throughout America.

Court ordered integration was the major factor causing private 
church schools to blossom.  Parents and members of socially 
segregated churches who did not want their children associating 
with members of a different race found a solution in private 
establishment, funding and support of church schools.

This is not just a theory.  Any analysis of enrollment at private 
church operated schools will show that they are largely 
segregated.  Even though their charters may qualify for tax 
exempt status, their enrollment policy and high tuition act to 
achieve largely socially segregated schools.  The segregation of 
private church operated schools which are not taxed has hurt 
public education in Alabama and other states where this practice 
has occurred.  The reason for this is that the money, teachers 
and resources which has gone to building and supporting these 
largely segregated church schools should have gone into integrated 
public schools. 

It is wrong now and always has been wrong to use churches to 
foster social segregation.  By permitting private churches to 
continue this practice without restraint will forever keep 
Alabama's public education system chained to the ground.  For 
when educational resources are divided based upon race or 
religion it results in a second class system and inequality for 
lower income groups.

In order to end institutionalized social segregation church 
schools should be required to meet the same standards of 
integrated enrollment as public schools.  Church schools which 
fail to meet this standard should not be tax exempt.

Church sponsored schools designed and operated to promote social 
segregation should no longer enjoy a tax exempt status.  The 
criteria for permitting church schools to remain tax exempt 
should be proof that they enroll equal numbers of black and white 
children and do not discriminate against women or other 
minorities.  Otherwise perhaps it would be best if churches which 
operate segregated schools and teach prejudice toward women and 
minorities should be taxed out of existence.

Sincerely,
Terry Lynch 
Montgomery, AL
DATE:  July 2, 1998