By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green Board of Education has been asked to allow students to attend religion classes during school hours.
Six people asked the district Monday evening to adopt a religious instruction policy that would allow students to attend Bible education classes.
Michael Perkins, of Cygnet, promoted the LifeWise Academy classes that have been permitted for students in the Eastwood and Elmwood school districts.
Perkins said that in 1952, the Supreme Court ruled students can be released from public school during school hours to attend religion classes. He said the religion classes offer more opportunities for children, and would build on the “Bobcat Proud” qualities of being respectful, responsible and safe.
Sandy Steiner, of Pandora, who is part of the LifeWise Advancement and Growth Team, said the Bible-based classes emphasize character development, honesty and truthfulness.
For districts to offer the religious time during school hours, the Supreme Court said the classes must meet three criteria:
- They must take place off school property.
- They must be privately funded.
- Parents must give their permission for students to attend.
“We just ask you to adopt the release time policy,” Steiner said.
But Dr. Rick Busselle, professor at BGSU, questioned if time is set aside for religion classes during the school day, then can it also be set aside for other programs. What about for basketball practice, Busselle asked.
“What distinguishes Bible study from any other activity?” he said.
Busselle reminded those present about the separation of church and state.
“I object to any religious activity that interferes with the public school process,” he said.
Craig Dixon, of Bowling Green, said the LifeWise program will make the school district more attractive to people looking to locate in the area.
Nick Jones, who has an elementary child in the district, said LifeWise will be a good partner with the district.
Abigail Hahn, who has an internship with LifeWise, said she became involved with the program when she was growing up in Indiana. The classes helped her with mental health and character building issues.
Zachary Ellifritz, the youth and outreach coordinator at Dayspring Church, said the program will “help the next generation get better.”
The website for LifeWise Academy states that though legal for decades, most people have never heard about released time from school for religion classes.
LifeWise Academy wants to change that.
The LifeWise curriculum is designed to take students through the entire Bible, beginning in Genesis and ending in Revelation, over the course of five years. Each lesson reviews a Bible passage as well as a “Living LifeWise” character trait.
How LifeWise teaches the Bible during the school day:
- Students are released from school during school hours.
- Students travel by foot or by shuttle to a nearby LifeWise facility.
- Students learn about Jesus and how he changes lives.
- Students return to school for their regular classes.
Bowling Green Board of Education President Ryan Myers thanked those speaking at the meeting for their input. He said the board would have to review the request and hold public discussion before making any decisions.
