NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Communications Director - 800-671-1776

DATE: September 8, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC - The Freedom Federation supports the Black Alliance for Educational Opportunities (BAEO) and the DC Parents for School Choice for their stance on educational choice for parents and children. A good education is the gateway to the future. Unfortunately, many families have little or no opportunity to pursue their dreams because they are trapped in failing schools and have no money to afford a quality education. Providing vouchers to poor families and those who live in districts with failing schools empowers parents and children with the opportunities every American deserves.

The Freedom Federation is a federation of some of the largest multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and multi-generational organizations in the country dedicated to fundamental core values, including the dignity of the individual and strong families. It is our duty to care for and provide opportunities to the poor and the disadvantaged. It is immoral to doom our childrens' future and hopes by denying them the opportunity to pursue a quality education simply because they are poor or disadvantaged.

Until recently parents and children living in the District of Columbia had the option of educational choice through a voucher system. However, this year that option was taken from them. We urge President Barack Obama and Congress to restore educational choice by providing school vouchers that enable children in the District of Columbia to obtain a quality education. We stand behind BAEO and the DC Parents for School Choice in calling for the reestablishment of the school voucher program. Our children deserve the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

The above statement is made on behalf of the Freedom Federation by The Honorable Ken Blackwell and Mathew Staver, Executive Steering Committee Members for the Freedom Federation.

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