Final answer:
Opponents of parochial schools argue that public funding for these institutions can undermine civil society ideals and exacerbate educational inequality. They believe that resources could be better spent on public schools that are mandated to provide universal access and equity, which parochial schools may not offer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Opponents of parochial schools often raise arguments related to the public funding of private religious institutions. They contend that such funding may undermine the ideal of a common civil society and lead to inequalities in education since resources could be more efficiently utilized in the public education system, which serves a more diverse population. Moreover, they argue that parochial schools may not embody the universal access and equity that public schools are mandated to provide, thereby perpetuating socioeconomic divides in academic performance and access to resources.
Another concern raised involves potential biases and the teaching of secular and neutral material, which was addressed in the legal case of Agostini v. Felton, stating that as long as the instruction at religious schools remains secular, it does not violate the Establishment Clause. Despite this, the high-stakes involved in funding decisions for parochial versus public schools continue to fuel debates about school choice and its implications for educational equity.