Separation advocates challenge constitutionalilty of grant to Grace College

[IndianaGreen]

Last updated: April 23, 2010 1:38 p.m.

Separation advocates challenge constitutionalilty of grant to Grace College

Sylvia A Smith
Washington editor

A $150,000 no-compete grant that Rep. Mark Souder, R-3rd, obtained for Grace College and Theological Seminary should be investigated for possible violation of the Constitution, according to a group that advocates for a strict separation between religion and government.

Americans United for Separation of Church and State asked the Obama administration to investigate 10 similar grants – called earmarks – that members of Congress included in the federal budget. Earmarks award money to local governments, education institutions, businesses and social groups without requiring them to compete.

The organization says the Grace College earmark and nine others raise constitutional issues about inappropriate public funding of religion.

"Taxpayers should never be forced to support religion," said the Rev. Barry Lynn, Americans United executive director. "Congress should not approve earmark funding for projects that advance religion."

The group says the Constitution prohibits using tax money for religious activity such as worship or instruction.

The Grace College earmark, which was included in the Education Department's budget, was for curriculum development and technology for the school's orthopedic education and other adult education programs.

http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20100423/LOCAL04/100429758/1067/NEWS07

[LiberalFighter]

1. Funding IMO should not go to Notre Dame either.