An Ohio school is implementing Bible study in public schools and hopes to spread it nationwide.
The program is called LifeWise Academy, which launched in 2018 and is in more than 300 schools in a dozen states.
There should be a separation between religion and public education. We must protect our citizens’ constitutional rights. Separation of church and state was set in place for a reason.
Surrounding students with unlicensed chaplains serving as counselors who may have ulterior motives is unacceptable.
It is an injustice to force students into a religious environment, rather than a place in which education is prioritized.
Instructional time is not meant for prayer, especially when it excludes students of different religions.
Including this program in public schools while the government is trying to remove DEI and LGBTQ inclusion shows the lack of seriousness given to all communities.
If schools value equality and wish to teach younger generations fairness for all, then it starts by including not only those with religious beliefs but those with personal beliefs as well.
In the landmark McCollum v. Board of Education Supreme Court case, the court found that “neither a state nor the federal government can set up a church. Neither can pass laws that aid one religion, aid all religions, or prefer one religion over another. Neither can force or influence a person to go to or to remain away from church against their will or force them to profess a belief or disbelief in any religion.”
Program leaders are not supposed to promote or encourage these public-school students to join LifeWise. However, students are being used to promote their program by getting a pizza party or receiving ice cream if they bring in a student.
Here on campus, we have organizations like LifeWise Academy, but there is a difference.
At this age, we have a choice to be religious or to be a part of a religious group, it is a way for people to express themselves and participate in things they take an interest in.
It is crucial to understand that what LifeWise Academy is doing should be considered unconstitutional.
While allowing students to practice religion during school should not be criticized, deliberately incorporating religion into a school curriculum should be.
Not only does this enforce beliefs onto students, but it raises concerns about erasing the line between Church and State.
