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The CIVIL RIGHTS MONITOR is a quarterly publication that reports on civil rights issues pending before the three branches of government. The Monitor also provides a historical context within which to assess current civil rights issues. Back issues of the Monitor are available through this site. Browse or search the archives
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Volume 10 Number 4 Reauthorization Of The Elementary And Secondary Education Act Underway In The Congress
As the U.S. House of Representatives worked on the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the Citizens' Commission on Civil Rights issued two new reports on the impact of the Title I education reforms adopted in 1994 and the Commission and LCEF released the results of a telephone survey of public opinion on issues the Congress is addressing.
Committee Action
On Wednesday, October 13, 1999, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce reported legislation to renew Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the $8.3 billion program that provides funds to assist in educating 10.5 million poor children. By a vote of 42-6 the Committee sent the bill to the House floor. The Committee rejected efforts to include voucher plans that would allow parents to use federal dollars for private school education; maintained the reforms included in the 1994 reauthorization; and gave children in "failing" schools the option to transfer within their public school system.
The 1994 reforms called for a shift in focus from basic education to higher standards, more effective instruction, higher achievement for disadvantaged students, and accountability for results.
In a second action, the Committee approved 26-19 along party lines the Academic Achievement for All Act ("Straight As") that would give states greater flexibility in spending federal education money. Opponents expressed concern that states would divert the federal education dollars from poor students to wealthier districts, and Secretary of Education Richard Riley indicated that he would recommend that the President veto the bill if passed by the Congress.
Also of concern to civil rights advocates was the Committee's failure to fund the Women's Education Equity Act Program which provides funding to help combat gender biased teaching practices.
House Floor Action
On Thursday, October 21, on the floor of the House, the Committee Bill (H.R. 2) passed by a vote of 358-67 after an amendment by House Majority Leader Richard Armey (R-TX) to spend $100 million a year on vouchers to allow students to pay for tuition at private schools failed by a vote of 257-166. Another amendment offered by Rep. Thomas Petri (R-WI) to allow for vouchers in 10 states also failed, 271-153.
The second bill, the "Straight As"bill, was watered down to a pilot program to give 10 states more latitude in spending federal monies allowing for the combining of funds from different federal education programs and the expenditure of those funds as determined by the State. The Committee bill would have given the same flexibility to all states. Even so, the ten state bill passed by a vote of only 213-208. If passed by the Senate, it is expected that President Clinton would veto it.
The full House also restored the Women's Educational Equity Act, which the Committee had eliminated, through a floor amendment offered by Representatives Patsy Mink (D-HI), Lynne Woolsey (D-CA), Loretta Sanchez (D- CA), and Connie Morella (R-MD).
  
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