School District Ends Popular Bible Lesson Program
An Ohio school district has decided to repeal a policy that permitted around 300 students to leave school during class hours for Christian instruction. In a 4-0 vote with one abstention, the Westerville City School Board revoked the released-time instruction (RTI) program during a meeting on Monday evening.
Joel Penton, CEO of LifeWise Academy, expressed disappointment over the decision. In a statement to The Christian Post, Penton said, “The Westerville School Board’s decision to deny students access to Bible-based character lessons during school hours is discouraging.” He mentioned that families, teachers, and community members had seen positive effects from the program, including improved behavior and increased classroom engagement.
Penton also expressed concern for the 18 staff members and over 50 volunteers who were prepared to support the nearly 300 students enrolled in LifeWise’s growing program in Westerville. He further advocated for Ohio House Bill 445, which, if passed, would require schools in the state to implement released-time instruction policies, providing clearer guidelines for communities wishing to offer such programs.
According to a school district representative, although the policy was approved several years ago, it didn’t take effect until 2021. During the board meeting, Westerville parent Jacalyn Fraley, who led a group opposing the policy, cited concerns about disruptions to students and staff, as well as potential pressure or bullying for those not participating.
Board President Kristy Meyer emphasized that rescinding the policy does not limit religious instruction, which could still occur outside school hours. She noted that concerns were more about minimizing disruptions to the school day and ensuring students receive adequate educational time.
In a broader context, the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) had previously objected to LifeWise’s RTI programs, arguing that students were losing valuable academic time for religious instruction. In response, FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor stated that religious education should take place outside of school hours.
The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld released-time programs since 1952, ruling that they do not violate the Constitution as long as the programs occur off-campus and are not school-endorsed.