Which case upheld a state program providing families with vouchers that could be used for tuition at religious schools?

Which case upheld a state program providing families with vouchers that could be used for tuition at religious schools?

• A. Abington School District v. Schempp
• B. San Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez
• C. Zelman v. Simmons-Harris
• D. Lemon v. Kurtzman

Answer: (C)

This item tests how the Establishment Clause is applied to government-funded school-choice programs. In Zelman v. Simmons-Harris, the Court upheld a state voucher program that gave families scholarships to attend private schools, including religious ones. The key point is that the money went to families, not directly to any school, and families chose among secular and religious options. The program was neutral toward religion and framed as helping low‑income families exercise genuine private choice, so it did not amount to government endorsement or coercion of religion. This is why it fits the Establishment Clause without failing it. By contrast, the other cases involve different issues: one addresses school-sponsored prayer, another sets out a test for assessing Establishment Clause concerns, and another looks at funding disparities across schools.

This item tests how the Establishment Clause is applied to government-funded school-choice programs. In Zelman v. Simmons-Harris, the Court upheld a state voucher program that gave families scholarships to attend private schools, including religious ones. The key point is that the money went to families, not directly to any school, and families chose among secular and religious options. The program was neutral toward religion and framed as helping low‑income families exercise genuine private choice, so it did not amount to government endorsement or coercion of religion. This is why it fits the Establishment Clause without failing it. By contrast, the other cases involve different issues: one addresses school-sponsored prayer, another sets out a test for assessing Establishment Clause concerns, and another looks at funding disparities across schools.