A resolution supporting the contributions of Catholic schools.

III 117TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION S. RES. 33 Supporting the contributions of Catholic schools. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES FEBRUARY 4, 2021 Mr. TOOMEY (for himself and Mr. CASEY) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions RESOLUTION Supporting the contributions of Catholic schools. Whereas Catholic schools in the United States are inter- nationally acclaimed for their academic excellence and provide students with more than just an exceptional scho- lastic education; Whereas Catholic schools instill a broad, values-added edu- cation emphasizing the lifelong development of moral, in- tellectual, physical, and social values in young people in the United States; Whereas Catholic schools serve the United States by pro- viding a diverse student population, from all regions of the country and all socioeconomic backgrounds, a strong academic and moral foundation, and of that student pop- ulation— VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:29 Feb 05, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\SR33.IS SR33 pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with BILLS 2 •SRES 33 IS (1) 22 percent of students are from racial minority backgrounds; (2) 18.1 percent of students are of Hispanic herit- age; and (3) 24.5 percent of students are from non-Catholic families; Whereas Catholic schools are an affordable option for par- ents, particularly in underserved urban areas; Whereas Catholic schools produce students who are strongly dedicated to their faith, values, families, and communities by providing an intellectually stimulating environment rich in spiritual, character, and moral development; Whereas Catholic schools are committed to community serv- ice, producing graduates who hold ‘‘helping others’’ as a core value; Whereas the total Catholic school student enrollment for the 2020–2021 academic year was almost 1,650,000, and the student-teacher ratio was 12 to 1; Whereas the graduation rate of students from Catholic high schools is 99 percent, with 86 percent of graduates at- tending 4-year colleges; Whereas, in the 2005 pastoral message entitled ‘‘Renewing Our Commitment to Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools in the Third Millennium’’, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops stated, ‘‘Catholic schools are often the Church’s most effective contribution to those families who are poor and disadvantaged, especially in poor inner city neighborhoods and rural areas. Catho- lic schools cultivate healthy interaction among the in- creasingly diverse populations of our society. . . . Our Catholic schools have produced countless numbers of VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:29 Feb 05, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\SR33.IS SR33 pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with BILLS 3 •SRES 33 IS well-educated and moral citizens who are leaders in our civic and ecclesial communities.’’; Whereas National Catholic Schools Week was first estab- lished in 1974 and has been celebrated annually for the past 46 years; Whereas 30 percent of Catholic schools have waiting lists for admission, and new schools are opening across the United States; and Whereas the theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2021 of ‘‘Catholic Schools: Learn. Faith. Excellence. Service.’’ reflects Catholic schools’ purpose to form students to be good citizens of the world, love God and neighbor, and enrich society with the leaven of the gospel and by exam- ple of faith: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate— 1 (1) supports the goals of National Catholic 2 Schools Week, an event— 3 (A) cosponsored by the National Catholic 4 Educational Association and the United States 5 Conference of Catholic Bishops; and 6 (B) established to recognize the vital con- 7 tributions of the thousands of Catholic elemen- 8 tary and secondary schools in the United 9 States; 10 (2) applauds the National Catholic Educational 11 Association and the United States Conference of 12 Catholic Bishops on the selection of a theme that all 13 people can celebrate; and 14 VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:29 Feb 05, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\SR33.IS SR33 pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with BILLS 4 •SRES 33 IS (3) supports— 1 (A) the dedication of Catholic schools, stu- 2 dents, parents, and teachers across the United 3 States to academic excellence; and 4 (B) the key role that Catholic schools, stu- 5 dents, parents, and teachers across the United 6 States play in promoting and ensuring a bright- 7 er, stronger future for the United States. 8 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:29 Feb 05, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\SR33.IS SR33 pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with BILLS