Romanism in the Public Schools

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 19, 1914

Romanism in the Public Schools

THAT Rome controls the public schools of Chicago is the charge made by the Northwestern Christian Advocate for July 29, 1914. The Advocate declares that probably eighty-five per cent of the public-school teachers of Chicago are members of the Roman Catholic Church. It seems that no graduate of the city high schools can enter the Normal Training College preparatory to teaching, without first submitting to an examination of some days’ duration.

Again, the great majority of teachers in the Normal College are Roman Catholics, and any special recommendation by the principal or faculty is favorable to Catholics. In fact, there has not been a promotion of recent years among the teachers of the city, so far as we are informed, that has not advantaged a Catholic teacher. In other words, and without circumlocution: The schools of Chicago can be fairly said to be under the control and domination of the Roman Catholic Church, and it will not be different without a vigorous and unbending protest.

In conclusion, the editor inquires: “Is such a condition worth noticing? Some say not, and that it makes no difference whether our children are taught by Roman Catholics, Protestants, or nonchurch women.” He adds:—

But when we consider this as but one illustration of the industrious care, the wise forethought, the astute planning of the leaders of Romanism to weave themselves into public places with the view of ultimate control, then the affair assumes the proportion of a serious problem.

Indeed it does, and we should be on our guard.