The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has expressed its disappointment at the 2-1 decision of the Colorado Court of Appeals upholding Douglas County School District’s voucher program.

Scott L. Levin, ADL Mountain States Regional Director, issued the following statement:

The split decision of the Colorado Court of Appeals runs counter to the constitution and laws of Colorado that promote religious freedom and the separation of church and state that is necessary to maintain it.  Among other things, the Douglas County School District’s voucher program allows public money to be funneled to religious schools, many of which expressly discriminate in student admissions and hiring based on religion, sexual orientation and/or disabilities.

ADL anticipates there will be an appeal of the decision to the Colorado Supreme Court and that it will ultimately stop the voucher program in order to ensure that all schools receiving public funds abide by the obligations and anti-discrimination laws that are required as a result of accepting such funds.

The Anti-Defamation League filed an Amicus Curiae (friend of the court) brief in this matter with the Colorado Court of Appeals.