Supreme Court of the United States
Mitchell v. Helms
June 28, 2000530 U.S. 793
Summary
The Court held that Chapter 2 of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act does not violate the Establishment Clause when applied to religious schools. The plurality reasoned the program is neutral and secular, overruling Meek and Wolman to the extent they conflicted. Justice O'Connor concurred in the judgment, emphasizing safeguards against actual diversion, while Justice Souter dissented, arguing the program allows impermissible diversion of public funds to religious indoctrination.