Statement at a Press Conference By Commissioner Of Education Earl McGrath

STATEMENT* I am sorry that many recent discussions of Federal Aid to Education have overlooked the very purpose of federal aid. Its purpose is to help provide a sound education for all of our boys and girls wherever they may live. There are at present inequalities in the availability of education within the States. If these are to be eliminated and all children are to have an equal opportunity for education, their American birthright, the State must receive financial assistance from the federal government. The important fact to keep in mind in the discussion of federal aid is that those not favor it. however sound their reasons may be. condemn countless children to intellectual starvation. These children simply will not get in adequate education for American citizenship and for a free personal life. And we should not forget that with a few exceptions the damage cannot be repaired. If we don't build roads this year, we can build them the next year. But if we don't educate our children now, they will not be educated. The real issue in the federal aid program is, therefore: Do we make out democracy strong in peace or in war by giving all our children a basic education. or do we weaken our nation by condemning countless numbers of children to illiteracy or to a low level of intellectual development. Statement by Earl J. McGrath, U.S. Commissioner of Education. Federal Security Agency. Washington. D.C. for Press Conference, Boston, Mass. July 7. 1949.