Gov. Bobby Jindal calls legal challenge to school vouchers 'immoral'

WASHINGTON — Gov. Bobby Jindal called on the Justice Department on Wednesday to give up its “cynical, immoral and hypocritical” challenge to Louisiana’s school voucher program.

“It’s simply immoral to tell these children they’ve got to stay in failing schools,” Jindal, a Republican, said at a press conference at the National Press Club.

The Justice Department filed a motion in August to stop the state from issuing vouchers, without federal approval, to students in school districts that are under desegregation orders. The change would take effect in the 2014-15 school year.

Justice officials said they’re not trying to end the voucher program.

The department “seeks a straightforward goal — to ensure that the state of Louisiana implements its school voucher program in a manner that complies with the U.S. Constitution and long-standing federal desegregation orders,” an agency spokesman said.

More at http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20130919/NEWS0401/309190010/Gov-Bobby-Jindal-calls-legal-challenge-school-vouchers-immoral-?nclick_check=1 .