Page 18 of the Gray Commission Report Appendix III introduces a proposed bill to hold a public referendum on whether to convene a constitutional convention to amend specific provisions of the Virginia Constitution related to education funding. The bill argues that a convention is necessary to revise constitutional restrictions that currently prevent public funds from being used for private school tuition, particularly affecting war orphans, handicapped students, Negro graduate students, and future teachers and nurses. To avoid broader constitutional debates and ensure swift approval, the bill limits the convention’s authority to only those amendments necessary for implementing educational aid programs and maintaining segregated schooling.
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qualified electors; revise and amend certain provisions of the Constitution of Virginia; Appropriation Act of 1954; violative of certain provisions of the Constitution; attendance at private schools; grants for the education of war orphans; grants in aid of Nego graduate students; scholarships for teaching and nursing; school segregation cases; time required to permit educational aid; drastic changes in the fundamental laws of the State; avoid heated and untimely controversies