In the case of Witters v. Washington Department of Services for the Blind, 1985, Larry Witters applied for vocational rehabilitation assistance from the state to pursue a degree in pastoral studies at a Christian college. The Washington Department of Services for the Blind denied his application on grounds that it would violate both federal and state constitutions' prohibitions against government funding religious instruction. This decision was upheld by lower courts but when appealed to Supreme Court, they reversed this ruling unanimously. They held that providing aid did not breach First Amendment's Establishment Clause as long as it is made available generally without regard to student's religion or chosen course study’s religious content. The court emphasized that any aid provided would ultimately be directed by individuals based on their private choices rather than being steered towards religion by government action.

In the dissenting opinion for Witters v. Washington Department of Services for the Blind, Justice White argued that providing state aid to a student studying at a religious institution would violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. He contended that such funding could be seen as an endorsement or promotion of religion by the government, which is constitutionally prohibited. Furthermore, he expressed concern about potential entanglement between church and state if public funds were used in this way. He also disagreed with majority's reliance on Mueller v Allen (1983), arguing it was not applicable because tax deductions are different from direct subsidies like those involved in this case. Finally, he warned against setting a precedent where any form of financial assistance could potentially be directed towards religious education without constitutional scrutiny.