Opinion

Vouchers should not fund discrimination

Posted September 29, 2023 1:00 am

In December 2022, Attorney General Raoul, along with Gov. Pritzker and Illinois Department of Human Rights Director Jim Bennett, in addressing the rise in Anti-LGBTQ+ violence and harassment, said that discrimination has no place in our society. Wheaton Academy in West Chicago was the subject of a Sept. 20 front-page article in the Daily Herald for raising more than $25 million for their current capital campaign. Wheaton Academy has also received millions of tax dollars via the Invest in Kids voucher program, while it discriminates against those it considers "not-qualified."

Wheaton Academy only admits "qualified" students. It defines students as qualified who maintain their sexual purity by refraining from homosexual, transgender, bisexual or transsexual behaviors. These behaviors are considered sexual immorality.

Wheaton Academy also discriminates against students with disabilities by only considering as "qualified" those students whose accommodations are deemed reasonable. Admitted students who are hospitalized for behavioral or emotional reasons or have certain physical or medical conditions are subject to punitive restrictions on field trips.

Wheaton Academy's mission is to nurture growth through service to the glory of God. The academy further defines its mission for students to develop a personal, vibrant and growing relationship with Christ and to cultivate a biblical worldview. Students are required to complete six semesters of Bible study for graduation.

The Illinois State Board of Education says in its new strategic plan that all schools will be equipped to meet the unique academic, social and emotional needs of each and every child. Public schools are required to serve each and every child in their districts to receive funding from the state. Private religious schools like Wheaton Academy that openly discriminate against certain students should not receive funding from the state in the form of vouchers. Vouchers fund discrimination and its time to sunset Invest in Kids.

Nancy Turner

Naperville

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