More Resources Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (issued in the Federal Register on September 30, 2003)

Secretary of Education Rod Paige today announced that the Department of Education is accepting public comment on proposed regulations intended to eliminate barriers that have kept faith-based groups from partnering with the Department of Education to help Americans in need. The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) is expected to be published in the Federal Register this week.

The proposed regulations restate the principle that organizations must not use government funds to support "inherently religious" activities, such as worship, religious instruction and to proselytize. In addition, the regulations clarify that organizations that receive federal funds may retain their religious identity, including the display of icons, symbols and the selection of board members on a religious basis.

The Department's proposed regulations would apply to all of its federally administered and state-administered grant programs. For example, the regulations clarify that faith-based organizations can apply for funding to mentor at-risk children to improve academic achievement and reduce the dropout rate, which are programs many faith-based and community groups already operate.

The proposed regulations are available at http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/proprule/2003-3/093003a.html.

Today's action comes as the Bush Administration announced a series of further initiatives intended to clear barriers for faith-based groups to apply for federal aid. The Departments of Justice and Education have proposed regulations, the Department of Labor has proposed changes to its current regulations under the Workforce Investment Act and the Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $30.5 million in grants to help organizations provide technical assistance and funds to faith-based and community organizations.

During his first week in office, President Bush created the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives to identify barriers that previously had kept effective faith-based programs from serving Americans in need. The office leverages the contributions of the grassroots community and faith-based groups to help meet social service needs across the nation.

The Department of Education's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives focuses specifically on breaking down existing barriers and empowering faith-based and community groups to enlist their support for the Department's mission to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence for all children. These organizations can use federal funds in order to help students succeed in school and close the achievement gap between less fortunate children and their peers.

The No Child Left Behind Act provides these organizations with grant opportunities through several programs, including Supplemental Educational Services, Safe and Drug-Free Schools Mentoring Programs and 21st Century Community Learning Centers. The Department is seeking to recruit the most qualified providers of these services, including faith-based and community groups, without regard to their religious affiliation or lack thereof. Federal funds may not be used by an organization for inherently religious activities.

For more information about President Bush's Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, including the Education Department's office, please visit www.fbci.gov.

###

Top

Back to September 2003