ACSI Engagement

ACSI Home / Legal Legislative / Advocacy Initiatives / ACSI Engagement

ACSI is at the forefront of advocating a space for Christian Education. ACSI regularly submits formal communications to policymakers, elected officials and courts which address various concerns and legislation affecting religious education, nonprofits and religious freedom. We partner with like-minded organizations to increase our voice on important issues.

Current Issues

09.15.20 Update from Washington D.C. by P. George Tryfiates

Update includes ESSER funds, COVID-19 funding, 9/11 Remembrance, Constitution Day, and the Key 16 Prayer Card

09.04.20 Lawsuits regarding CARES Act ESSER Funds - see ACSI Memo below
09.04.20 Deferral of Social Security Payroll Taxes - COVID Relief - see ACSI Memo below
08.20.20 - HEALS Act

Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection and Schools (HEALS) Act, announced by the Senate on Monday, July 27, 2020 as a package of several bills. This is the Senate’s Phase 4 COVID-19 package. The HEALS Act would provide another round of checks to taxpayers; it provides liability protections for businesses and institutions as they reopen; and, includes substantial consideration of private sector schools.

Click here for details and talking points

Legislative Branch

ACSI is active in the legislative process by signing coalition letters, sending out legal alerts explaining the issues to stakeholders and voter voice emails making it easy for constituents to let legislators know their viewpoint and why.

Judicial Branch

ACSI makes a persuasive case before a judge by means of a friend of the court brief (amicus brief). This is an important method for having a voice in the judicial branch. This is usually a collaborative effort whereby multiple groups that agree with a particular line of argument present a unified case to the court for consideration. ACSI has signed many amicus briefs with others, some of which the Supreme Court has cited in their rulings.

Executive Branch

The Executive Branch is responsible for enforcing the law. The primary means to do this is by issuing regulations. Public comment, both written and in-person, is the process used to influence decisions on regulations.

Other actions

ACSI does a number of other things to advocate Christian education, through media, press conferences, and other means.

Fox News Article 09.20.20 - ACSI speaks into national funding needs for private schools

Press Release 06.26.17 - Trinity Lutheran SCOTUS Ruling

Coalition Letters