May 2, 2007
Support Head Start!
This week, the U.S. House of Representatives will likely vote to reauthorize funding for the Head Start program. This program, which provides assistance to low-income children and families, has been an important part of America’s effort to promote school readiness and ensure that all Americans are able to receive the education that they deserve.
Unfortunately, even with bipartisan support expected for the reauthorization of Head Start (H.R. 1429), Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) is expected to offer a “Motion to Recommit”. This legislative trick would stall the bill, strip it of its current civil rights protections, and legalize religious discrimination.
Under current law, religious organizations that provide federally funded Head Start programs cannot make hiring decisions based on religion. The “Motion to Recommit” would attempt to remove civil rights protections that prohibit religious discrimination against the thousands of employees and volunteers who serve the Head Start program.
Action Needed:
Call your members of Congress today at 202-224-3121 and urge them to oppose the “Motion to Recommit” and to support the reauthorization of Head Start (H.R. 1429) without this discriminatory change. Let your members know that, “as a social worker and a member of the National Association of Social Workers, we know that early childhood education programs such as Head Start are important resources for families and should be preserved and expanded with appropriate federal and state support.”
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