Kay Bailey Hutchison: “My amendment simply seeks to give the opportunity to public schools what private schools can now do, and that is offer…”

“My amendment simply seeks to give the opportunity to public schools what private schools can now do, and that is offer an option of same-gender classes or schools. I seek to amend the allowable uses of title VI funds for education reform projects that provide same-gender schools and classrooms as long as comparable educational opportunities are offered for students of both sexes. Mr. President, title VI is the place in our education code providing for reform of education to create new and innovative programs to try to improve our public education opportunities in this country. I am offering this amendment to remove a cloud of doubt hanging over the education community about the Federal policy on whether we allow a local decision by a local public school district to operate same-gender schools and classrooms. The amendment is very simple. It adds the establishment and operation of same-gender schools and classes to the allowable uses for funds under title VI. It is not a mandate; it is an option. The title VI program is so broad and flexible that I believe it already allows same-gender education programs.”