“Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.” – Isaiah 1:17 (NRSV)

Public education in the United States is under attack. Billionaires and extreme political interests are working to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and defund our public schools through harmful voucher schemes like the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) – H.R.833 and S.292. These efforts would divert billions in public funds into private and religious institutions, many of which operate without accountability, transparency, or a commitment to serving all children.

If these measures succeed, millions of students—especially those from low-income families, rural areas, communities of color, students with disabilities, and English language learners—will face even greater barriers to receiving a high-quality education.

As Presbyterians rooted in the Reformed tradition, we affirm that every person is created in the image of God (imago Dei) and is endowed with dignity and worth. Public education is not a commodity for the few—it is a common good and a moral obligation. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has long upheld public education as essential to a just society, a vibrant democracy, and faithful discipleship.

Public schools remain among the few civic institutions committed to serving all children, regardless of race, religion, zip code, economic status, or ability. They are essential to preparing people not just for work, but for citizenship, critical thinking, and community engagement.

By contrast, voucher programs like ECCA would funnel $10 billion in taxpayer money annually into private and religious K–12 schools—many of which can discriminate in admissions, are not required to hire certified educators, and may teach curricula that conflict with the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This undermines both the constitutional principle of church-state separation and our Presbyterian commitment to equity, justice, and access for all in public life.

Moreover, these efforts are often fueled by a rising tide of Christian nationalism, which seeks to impose a narrow interpretation of Christianity on public institutions, eroding religious freedom and pluralism by asserting the false narrative that for one to be American is to be Christian. Christian nationalism distorts our faith, using it to exclude rather than embrace, and to control rather than serve. As Presbyterians, we reject this idolatrous misuse of religion and affirm the sovereignty of God over all human powers.

Jesus welcomed children, called the poor blessed, and declared that “the last shall be first” (Matthew 19:13–15, Luke 6:20, Matthew 20:16). Our faith does not simply demand only charity, but requires justice—systems and structures that reflect the dignity and worth of every human being.

Our social witness policies, including Loving Our Neighbors: Equity and Quality in Public Education (2010) and God Alone is Lord of the Conscience (1988), affirm our responsibility to stand against policies that harm the vulnerable and privilege the powerful. A society that refuses to invest in public education, especially for the marginalized, has not only failed politically—it has sinned morally.

We urge Presbyterians across the country to speak up and tell Congress:

• To reject any efforts to dismantle or defund the Department of Education.
• To oppose the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) and similar voucher schemes that divert public funds into private and religious institutions.
• To support full and equitable funding for public schools, so every child—regardless of race, income, or geography—has access to a high-quality education.

“Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute.” – Psalm 82:3

This is not merely a political debate—it is a matter of faithful public witness. As followers of Jesus Christ and members of a Reformed tradition committed to justice, equity, and the common good, we must stand with educators, families, and communities in protecting the public schools that serve us all.

Write to your Members of Congress today. Speak out in defense of public education. Our children—and our democracy—depend on it.