Public school districts across Ohio have enacted new policies aimed at complying with a law allowing religious groups to take children off-campus during the school day, provided they have parental consent. However, one specific rule has raised concerns for LifeWise, a Christian-based organization that offers one of the most widespread religious education programs in the state.
LifeWise operates religious release time programs where students often return to school with small gifts like candy, stickers, or other items. But according to LifeWise attorney Jeremy Dys, some school districts have started to prohibit students from bringing these items back to school after attending the programs.
Dys claims that some policy advisors, including those from the North East Ohio Learning Associates, are recommending that districts ban these items. He argues that this is a violation of students’ free speech and religious rights.
“This is a serious issue,” Dys said. “If this isn’t corrected, it could lead to major legal battles that won’t be easy for anyone involved.”
Opponents of LifeWise Have a Different View
Jaclyn Fraley, a parent who opposes LifeWise, has spoken out against Ohio’s House Bill 8, which mandates that school districts establish policies for religious release time programs. Fraley believes that LifeWise and similar organizations should not be allowed to send treats or gifts back with students. She pointed out that her own school district prohibits parents from sending food-based treats for birthday celebrations.
“We aren’t allowed to send candy to school for our child’s birthday,” Fraley explained. “Why should it be different for LifeWise?”
Fraley argues that there are valid reasons for banning the distribution of candies or other items. She noted that students whose parents opt out of the religious programs may feel excluded when their peers return with treats. Additionally, Fraley expressed concern about food allergies, emphasizing that certain students could have serious reactions to foods like nuts.
Fraley also pointed out that the law is not intended to require school staff to support the religious programs. She warned that allowing students to bring back gifts could place an unnecessary burden on school personnel. “If a child comes back to school with a nut-based candy and gives it to someone else, who is responsible for handling that emergency?” she asked.
LifeWise Argues Schools Are Making the Program More Difficult
Dys, on the other hand, sees the school policies as obstacles that complicate the operation of LifeWise’s program. He believes the restrictions are designed to make it harder for religious organizations to offer release time education in Ohio schools, despite lawmakers’ support for the initiative.
“Lawmakers have clearly expressed their intention for schools to provide this opportunity for students and their families,” Dys stated. “Yet, some districts have implemented policies that essentially target and hinder these religious programs.”
In response to the ongoing debate, Republican legislators have included a provision in the state budget that would set specific time limits for religious release for instruction, with both minimum and maximum requirements.
As the dispute continues, LifeWise may pursue legal action to challenge these policies and ensure that students can participate in religious programs without facing undue restrictions.
