Until 1954, the state of New Atlantic required segregation in all public and private schools, but all public schools are now desegregated. Other state laws, enacted before 1954 and continuing to the present, provide for free distribution of the same textbooks on secular subjects to students in all public and private schools. In addition, the state accredits schools and certifies teachers. Little White School, a private school that offers elementary and secondary education in the state denies admission to all non-Caucasians. Stone School is a private school that offers religious instruction."Which of the following is the strongest argument in favor of the constitutionality of free distribution of textbooks to the students at Stone School?
Private religious schools, like public nonsectarian schools, fulfill an important educational function.  Religious instruction in private schools is not constitutionally objectionable. The purpose and effect of the free distribution of these textbooks is secular and does not entangle church and state. The free exercise clause requires identical treatment by the state of students in public and private school