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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A request from the state Department of Public Instruction for information from voucher school leaders about their students with disabilities is causing an uproar among conservatives.
The DPI made the request last week in conjunction with complaints made to the U.S. Department of Justice in 2011 that taxpayer-subsidized voucher schools were rejecting students with disabilities.
But the request is resulting a backlash from conservatives, including Republican leaders in the state Legislature who say DPI is attempting to intimidate and undermine the voucher program. Sen. Paul Farrow on Monday sent DPI Secretary Tony Evers a series of questions, accusing him of being biased against the program.
DPI spokesman John Johnson said Tuesday that the information request is voluntary and DPI is trying to "ensure there are not any discriminatory practices occurring."
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