RNS Morning Report - Lawsuit: Texas school voucher program excludes Islamic schools

Skipped schools Texas Gov. Greg Abbott fought long and hard for the state’s new school voucher program, which includes $1 billion that parents can tap for private education. The catch: no Islamic schools have been deemed eligible. Last year Abbott declared Muslim rights group CAIR a “foreign terrorist organization.” In January, Texas Attorney General (and GOP Senate candidate) Ken Paxton ruled that schools with ties to CAIR could be refused voucher funds. Now an attorney whose children attend Houston’s Qu’ran Academy Spring has sued, saying Paxton’s dictum has turned into a “blanket exclusion” of Islamic schools and “a clear violation of the U.S. Constitution.” Read RNS National Reporter Fiona André’s full story below. Top Stories Muslim father sues over exclusion of Islamic schools from Texas voucher program (RNS) — The dispute comes amid growing hostility from Republican elected officials in Texas toward the state’s Muslim residents. Mike Johnson says Rep. Andy Ogles’ anti-Muslim remarks reflect ‘popular sentiment’ (RNS) — Claims that Muslim Americans are seeking to impose Islamic religious law on the country have become popular talking points among Republican lawmakers recently. Chabad ups security, reiterates peaceful mission after Tucker Carlson’s Iran accusation (RNS) — ‘When public figures frame Chabad in conspiratorial terms, it risks turning ordinary rabbis and their families into targets,’ said Rabbi Mendy Chitrik. Pope accepts resignation of Chaldean leaders after US bishop faces felony charges (RNS) — Chaldean Catholic Bishop Emanuel Hana Shaleta was arrested Thursday at the San Diego International Airport on charges of embezzlement and money laundering. Opinion Which James speaks for you: Carville or Talarico? (RNS) — Both Democrats oppose Trump, but the political consultant and the U.S. Senate candidate take different rhetorical lines. White House’s religious liberty push is exactly what James Madison feared (The Conversation) — The early correspondence of James Madison – who went on to become the fourth U.S president and played a key role in the drafting of the Constitution and Bill of Rights – wrestles with the tensions of religion and public life. It can be instructive for Americans today. ICYMI How one Chinese American healed from growing up in Western evangelicalism (RNS) — The book, releasing April 7, uses the Japanese art of Kintsugi — repairing broken pottery with gold — as a metaphor for a faith that acknowledges wounds rather than hiding them. Muslim leaders call closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan politically motivated JERUSALEM (RNS) — Worshippers' access to Israel’s holy sites came to a sudden halt last week amid safety concerns as Iran retaliated to the joint US-Israeli attack. Support Our Work As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. News tips or feedback? Email comments@religionnews.com. Like the Morning Report? Share it with a friend. Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe here. We rely on reader donations to power our reporting. Donate here. Or send a check to: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205

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