[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9510]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        EDUCATION SECRETARY RODERICK PAIGE HAS LOST CREDIBILITY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 9, 2003

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, Education Secretary Roderick Paige has 
lost credibility. Following his deeply troubling comments in Baptist 
Press proclaiming the importance of teaching Christian values in public 
schools, it is evident that Secretary Paige cannot be an unbiased 
advocate for all public school students.
  I am not concerned with Secretary Paige's personal religious beliefs. 
Many of us were raised in religious traditions and with faith-based 
values that have led many of us to serve in this body--the desire to 
help out those in need, to care for our neighbors, and to be good 
members of the global community.
  Secretary Paige's views, however, are offensive because they reflect 
on how he will undertake his Constitutional responsibility: to provide 
the best educational opportunities for all students in the United 
States. Our nation was built on the idea of separation of church and 
state. Article I of our great Constitution requires that there be no 
established religion. This was not an afterthought by the Founding 
Fathers--it was clearly and forcefully stated at the very outset. By 
expressing his preference for parochial education and criticizing 
public schools for not teaching religious values, Secretary Paige 
violated that founding principle.
  Secretary Paige has forcefully described his preference for schools 
that have ``a strong appreciation for the values of the Christian 
community.'' He has described Christian schools and universities as 
having a ``strong value system'' that is ``not the case in a public 
school where there are so many different kids with different kinds of 
values.'' How then can the parents of children in public schools--which 
educate 90 percent of all children in our country--believe that 
Secretary Paige's bias against public education will not be reflected 
in his policies? How can they be assured that he will not direct funds 
and resources to the parochial schools to which he would prefer to send 
his children and away from the public schools that educate the vast 
majority of American children?
  Clearly, Secretary Paige is refusing to embrace the diversity 
reflected in our public schools. In a nation that is increasingly 
diverse, equating good values with Christian values is disrespectful to 
all non-Christian believers and to all non-believers. Personal faith 
must never be allowed to dictate government policy.
  Through his statements, Secretary Paige has shown that he cannot be 
relied upon to fulfill his responsibilities. He should resign 
voluntarily. If not, President Bush should demand his resignation.

                          ____________________