The Center for Church/State Studies at DePaul University will tackle one of the most controversial issues in education today—school vouchers--during a four-part breakfast forum series running Nov. 7 though March 20. Each discussion will be held at 8 a.m. at the Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W. Jackson Blvd., 5th floor Crystal Room.

As one of the critical issues that both federal and state legislatures will address in the near future, public funding for private schools has fueled discussion and emerged as an important topic in this year’s presidential campaign. Whether under the rubric of voucher, private choice, charter schools or tax credits, our society is at a crucial point in debating how to further the education of our children without violating the constitutional guarantees of free exercise of religion or non-establishment of religion.

The series of forums will scrutinize the public policy issues raised by school vouchers and address the strengths and weaknesses of public funding for private education. Presentations will come from individuals on the cutting edge of the debate in Illinois:

· Nov. 7, 2000--Linda Lenz, editor of “Catalyst,” an independent magazine created to document, analyze and support efforts to improve public education in Chicago.

· Nov. 20-- State Senator Dan Cronin, (R-Elmhurst), a proponent of school vouchers in Illinois.

· Jan. 23, 2001--Elaine Schuster, incoming CEO of the Golden Apple Foundation, a not-for profit organization based in Chicago that promotes excellence in elementary and secondary education by supporting the work of excellent teachers.

· March 20, 2001--Donald Moore, executive director of Designs for Change, an educational research and reform organization that serves as a catalyst for major improvements in the public schools serving the 50 largest cities in America, with a particular emphasis in Chicago.

“This forum series is a departure from previous ones that have looked strictly at the constitutional questions raised by school vouchers,” said the Rev. Craig B. Mousin, executive director of the center, and a professor of law at DePaul. “We, as a society, need to examine closely the public policy issues of government funding of religious education in conjunction with any legal proceedings over the voucher issue.”

The forums are free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Call Jennifer Kepling at 312/362-8818 to reserve a space.

Note to editors: Reporters wishing to cover the forums should call Valerie Phillips at 312/362-5039.