Tom West & Ken Masugi disagree on the meaning on the Locke v. Davey decision. West says that it is not another "blow to religious liberty." West: "Although Thomas and Scalia are the best justices on the Court, they got this one wrong. There is no violation of the right of free exercise of religion if a state refuses to pay for "devotional" studies. No one’s right to worship or practice his religion is being punished or penalized here." Also see Lucas Morel on the question.
W/o re-reading what the Court argued in its most recent decisions (like last year’s voucher case), my thinking is that once state govt starts handing out college scholarships--a debatable policy to being with--, it must do so in a neutral fashion.
What does the community care if a citizen, who otherwise qualifies for the dough, decides to pursue studies in theology. Bottom line: Would the common good suffer or benefit from him becoming a pastor? Would the community be better off spending its tax dollars on a major in English or philosophy or geology?
I’m sure I am overlooking some issues, but that’s my two cents for now.