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Education Dept Says Separate Classes OK

In some religions, it is considered appropriate to separate the sexes in houses of worship on the principle that doing so will help the congregant focus their spiritual energies on the object of worship (whether we?re talking about the prayers or the recipient Who they want to hear the prayers is a matter of contention for some). Now, though, separation of the sexes might be making a foray into the secular education system of the United States, courtesy of the Department of Education.

According to the Education Secretary Margaret Spellings, ?Some students may learn better in single-sex education environments. These final regulations permit communities to establish single-sex schools and classes as another means of meeting the needs of students. Every child should receive a high-quality education in America, and every school and district deserves the tools to provide it.?

Critics are assailing the plan as a new form of ?separate but equal?, the segregationist policy that was struck down by the Supreme Court in the middle of the 20th century. The Education Department is not requiring schools to separate the sexes, but merely has stated that in certain cases where necessary a school may choose to hold separate classes for boys and girls, much as in the way sex education might be taught or that a gym class might be held.