Hollywood FL – Ben Gamla Charter Hebrew School, Separation Of Church And State debate.

Hollywood FL – Two approved changes to a Hebrew-language charter school contract turned into a standing-room-only debate Tuesday on whether the taxpayer-funded school violates the U.S. Constitution’s separation of church and state.

The school in the spotlight is the Ben Gamla Charter School in south Broward, set to open in August.

Backers of the charter school say it is meant to be a dual-language school based on a Hebrew-English curriculum. Opponents say the school also will teach religion, especially when marketed in South Florida’s Jewish and Israeli communities, as was reported here on Vos Iz NEias.

“We have to be very careful because other religious organizations will come to this board,” said board member Phyllis Hope. “And, although I love everyone’s religion, and as an American we have the right to practice our religions, this is a very serious thing.”

Charter schools are publicly funded and privately run with limited oversight by school districts. They have more freedom over curriculum than traditional public schools, yet must not teach a religion. The Broward School Board approved the Ben Gamla Charter School in May, but controversy has mounted since. [sunsentinel]