Michael W. Cotter: Public shouldn’t pay for religious schools

Regarding the Nov. 18 letter “OSP helps children thrive”: I appreciate, but differ with, the conclusion of the letter writer who thanks the Opportunity Scholarship Program for her daughter’s ability to attend a private, religious school.

In a country where church and state are separate, I have to ask why my taxes are used to support religious rather than public education?

For most of our history people who wished their children to receive an education based upon a religious point of view have paid for the privilege. And that is as it should be.

If religions want to provide such an education to those unable to afford it, then they, not taxpayers, should provide scholarships for that purpose.

This story was originally published November 23, 2016 at 10:14 AM with the headline "Michael W. Cotter: Public shouldn’t pay for religious schools."