Westerville schools may halt religious teaching absences
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The Westerville Board of Education is expected tonight to rescind a policy that lets students leave school during the day to receive private religious instruction.
Why it matters: The vote comes as tension simmers in many Ohio districts over student participation in LifeWise Academy, a Hilliard-based Christian nonprofit group with a rapidly growing footprint.
How it works: LifeWise transports students off campus during the school day for nondenominational Bible study.
- The program serves over 30,000 students in 23 states this school year, up from 13 states last year, the AP reports.
- It's in about 170 Ohio districts, including Columbus and many of its suburbs, according to news reports.
The big picture: Ohio law currently allows the practice with district and parent permission, so long as students don't miss "core" subjects.
- A separate law taking effect Oct. 24 will require districts to adopt a policy that "reasonably accommodates" students' religious practices, including up to three yearly excused absences.
- Ohio lawmakers are considering another bill — similar to one recently adopted in Indiana — that would force districts to permit programs like LifeWise.
Friction point: Critics worry LifeWise is shifting focus and public school resources away from academics at a time when many students are struggling with pandemic-related learning loss.
- Gahanna-Jefferson stopped allowing such programs in 2022 due to concerns about skewed schedules, student liability and disrupted instructional time, per WOSU.
Between the lines: Others argue such programs blur the constitutional separation of church and state and promote Christianity, though a 1952 Supreme Court ruling upheld them.
- The group's opposition to same-sex marriage and transgender identities is also a source of debate.
The other side: CEO Joel Penton told NBC News that offering instruction during the school day makes religion education more accessible, and said the group avoids hot-button topics in its curriculum.
Zoom in: Westerville has permitted access to LifeWise programming since 2022; currently around 300 students participate.
- The board briefly suspended the activity last month and is now considering a ban following heated public meetings.
- Tonight's meeting starts at 6pm at 936 Eastwind Drive and will also stream on YouTube.