Three members of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) are pleading with California state Rep. Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) to support the families of black Catholic school students, particularly those in urban areas, during the next round of relief funding for the COVID-19 pandemic, USCCB reported on its website. 

Bishop Michael C. Barber of Oakland, Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of Houma-Thibodaux and Bishop Joseph N. Perry, auxiliary bishop of Chicago, all of whom have relationships within the education system, are advocating for low-income families of color in need of financial support for their children’s schooling. The bishops brought attention to the fact that these communities are more impacted than others and as such require a special degree of aid. 

“A recent survey of Catholic school principals showed that currently 10% are uncertain about their ability to open in the fall,” the bishops wrote. “This equals over 500 Catholic schools and thousands of families in turmoil. Strong action from Congress could provide these families and schools the confidence they need to stay in the Catholic school of their choice.”