In Michigan

The State of Michigan is regarded as having highly developed laws on education. Statutes have not only provided an admirable public school system, but have also elevated the standards of instruction in private and parochial schools by providing state supervision. Seeking to control non-public schools still further, Michigan politicians have, of late, proposed an amendment to the State Constitution whereby children "under the ninth grade and under 16" would be compelled to attend the public schools. Should this amendment become law, private and parochial schools in Michigan would be deprived of a good two-thirds of their patronage.

Naturally, such bodies as the Michigan Association of Private and Church Schools and the Diocesan School Committee have been objecting strenuously. Last week, Frank Cody, Superintendent of Detroit public schools and President of the State Board of Education, addressed a letter to the objectors: "I see no need for the proposed school amendment. . . . The existing school laws are adequate. . . . I do not believe in the spirit of the proposed amendment. It is un-American in character. . . ."