LANSING, Mich.-The Secretary of State ruled today that school boards and other publicly elected bodies have the right to collectively express their opposition to a private school voucher proposal through resolutions. The ruling came in light of complaints filed against local school boards across the state by a pro-voucher group.

"Today's ruling is a victory. I'm thrilled that the Secretary of State has reaffirmed that school boards have a right to take a stand on controversial issues like school vouchers and voice their opinions," said Georgene Campbell, chairperson of ALL Kids First!, an anti-voucher coalition of more than 190 religious, education, community and civil rights groups. "Kids First! Yes! is like a school yard bully. If individuals or groups decide to oppose their voucher scheme, they resort to a campaign of intimidation. I hope today's ruling puts an end to the smear campaign against local school boards."

The ruling came as a result of complaints lodged by Kids First! Yes!, the group behind a proposal that will change the Michigan Constitution and allow public funds to flow into private and for-profit schools. The group alleged that school boards did not have a right to issue resolutions in opposition to their proposal.

"In light of this decision, I hope more school boards will take a stand against school vouchers," said Campbell, who is also past president of the Michigan PTA. "Proposal 1 will hurt our children and have a devastating impact on our neighborhood schools and communities. It deserves to be defeated."

###