Effective Education
Federal Aid to Education
An initiative that divided the nation, as it did folks across Kansas, was federal aid to education. The concept and practice had been around since the founding of the Republic, but the modern version was introduced early in the Kennedy Administration and brought to fruition under President Lyndon Johnson. As with most New Frontier and Great Society social programs, Congressman Bob Dole and many of his Western Kansas correspondents were, at best, skeptical. They supported education, of course, but passionately believed it was best financed and administered on the local level. For many, the most controversial issue was whether to exclude private and parochial schools from the federal funding package.
"We feel that our children who attend a parochial school should be entitled to federal aid as well as those who attend public school since we are all taxpayers." - Tipton, March 1965
"We are strongly opposed to Federal aid to parochial schools. It involves separation of church and state which ultimately affects religious freedom. Is it just and right to compel me (by my taxes) to support a church school where the teaching is altogether contrary to my convictions." - Hugotan, March 1965
Hutchinson Public Schools Letter to Bob Dole
"It may be well for you to continue to 'view with alarm.' In the meantime there will be almost countless numbers... who will 'point with pride.'" - Hutchinson, April 1965
A constituent and elementary school principal wrote Dole of his support for the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which passed earlier that month. He was not impressed with the arguments from Dole and others who continued to warn about dangers of federal interference and control.
Scott City, Kansas, Constituent Letter
"There seems to be a mania up at Washington, to control each and every facet of our American life. I am happy to note that Aid to Education has received a set-back." - Scott City, July 1961
In a letter predominantly about farm policy, this constituent also offered his opinions about education.
Kansas Association of School Boards Letter to Bob Dole
"...any enterprise as vast and as complex as public education cannot be directed from one central agency... I have not seen any talent in the U.S. Office of Education which is superior to that which we have available right here in Kansas..." - Topeka, September 1965
In contrast, the executive director of the Kansas Association of School Boards wrote in support of Dole's position on federal aid and his belief that local control was better than direction from one central agency.
Salina, Kansas, Constituent Letter
"Although this bill does not go quite far enough, in regards to treating all people equally, I feel, as many of us do, it is a great step forward." - Salina, February 1965
Dole remained remarkably consistent in his opposition, and even expressed frustration with those of his constituents who were just as steadfast in their support. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 was signed into law on April 9, 1965. Title I of the act, which accounted for most of the funds, aimed at improving educational opportunities to low income students.
Opinion Ballot from Great Bend, Kansas
Opinion ballot from a constituent in Great Bend, Kansas, about their thoughts on federal aid to education. Some constituents simply oppposed the whole idea of Federal Aid to Education.
"I am opposed to Federal Aid or Federal Intervention in education... When the Federal government gets involved to the tune of 1.5 Billion dollars, this country will no longer have freedom of thought." - Great Bend, March 1965
Prayer in Public Schools
"There are reports from every member of Congress... that their mail has been heavier on [prayer in schools] than any other topic of current interest, including civil rights." - Congressman Bob Dole, July 1962
Many Western Kansans were concerned about the loss of prayer and Bible reading in public schools.
The issue surfaced in 1962 because of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Engel v. Vitale. This landmark decision, handed down in June 1962, along with two others decided in 1962 and 1963, the Court found state-sanctioned prayer and Bible reading in public schools in violation of the First Amendment's "Establishment Clause," which prohibits government actions that unduly favor one religion over another.
This ruling required rural schools to abandon a century-old tradition. Constituent reaction from the Big First was swift and continuous during much of Dole's time in the U.S. House.
H.J. Res. 483
Joint resolution introduced in the House of Representatives proposing an amendment to the Constitution. The amendment would allow schools the right to read from the Bible and offer prayers.
Opinion Ballot from Kingman, Kansas
In response to the trio of Supreme Court decisions, congressional Republicans pursued a constitutional amendment that would permit prayer in schools. One Kingman constituent returned an informal "Opinion Ballot" saying that he wanted neither prayer no Bible reading to be "compulsory," but believed they should be allowed.
McPherson Postcard
Postcard sent to Bob Dole from a constituent in McPherson, Kansas, expressing their support for Senator Dirksen's amendment about voluntary prayer in schools.
Opinion Ballot from Kingman, Kansas
Opinion Ballot from Kingman, Kansas, about whether or not schools should be allowed to offer prayers and the reading of the Bible in schools.
Topeka, Kansas Constituent, Letter
Letter to Bob Dole from a constituent in Topeka, Kansas, about their opposition to the proposed Becker amendment about prayer in schools.