from: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0410paige10.html

Schools chief stands by words
Says he wasn't trying to impose religious views

Ben Feller
Associated Press
Apr. 10, 2003 12:00 AM

WASHINGTON - Education Secretary Rod Paige on Wednesday stood by his comments favoring schools that appreciate "the values of the Christian community" but said that he was not trying to impose his religious views on others.

At a news conference, Paige told reporters, "I understand completely and respect the separation of church and state." He called himself a "fiery advocate" of public education.

Critics, including some Democratic lawmakers and the Anti-Defamation League, seized on Paige's comments in a story run by the Baptist Press, the news service of the Southern Baptist Convention.

"The reason that Christian schools and Christian universities are growing is a result of a strong value system," Paige was quoted as saying. "In a religious environment the value system is set. That's not the case in a public school, where there are so many different kids with different kinds of values."

Paige said Wednesday that he meant only that schools with broad missions and diverse populations face grater challenges than those with a focused content and message. Communities should decide on values taught in schools, provided they follow the law, he said.

Paige said his record as a school board member, school superintendent and Education secretary proves that he respects religious diversity. He challenged critics to find "any modicum of a situation where there was some imposition of my views on another person."

He said it is proper for the nation's public school leader to express personal views.