There has never been a time when the need for security for religious schools and houses of worship has been so apparent. The tragic events last week in Charleston only underscores the reality that there are murderous malcontents nursing religious, racial, and political grudges who present a clear and present danger to our schools and shuls. So we endorse the efforts of New York City Councilman David Greenfield to secure government funding for security guards for non-public schools that request them.
Students in New York City schools are protected by publicly funded security guards, so it would seem a no-brainer that students attending non-public schools be similarly protected. And of course religious schools are recognized as a legal alternative to the public schools in terms of compulsory education laws.
But it is not that simple. Providing anything to students in religious schools at public expense is seen through a very specialized prism. Constitutional and legal rules regarding “separation of church and state” restrict the kinds of assistance that can be given students on religious school sites. We think those restrictions are outmoded and will eventually be changed. In the meantime, it’s clear that Councilman Greenfield is on the right track.
Nobody suggests the First Amendment prohibits municipal fire and police departments from providing their protective services to religious institutions or that the religious missions of such institutions are furthered by the provision of such protection. Likewise, we see no legitimate distinction to be drawn when it comes to protecting students in religious schools.