Ohio Bill Would Require Public Schools to Adopt Policies to Teach Religious Classes During School Hours

Source:news.yahoo.com

Ohio House Bill 445 proposes a change in state law, requiring public schools to adopt policies allowing students to attend religious classes during the school day if their parents opt in. The bill aims to replace the current permissive language (“may”) with mandatory language (“shall”). State Representatives Gary Click and Al Cutrona introduced the bill.

Highlights:

1. Legal Context: Teaching religious classes during school hours is permitted by Supreme Court decisions, but federal and state laws impose restrictions, such as prohibiting school staff from providing instruction and preventing the use of school funds.
2. Ohio Regulations: In Ohio, parental permission is required, attendance must be tracked by the organization providing religious instruction, students can’t miss core classes, and schools cannot be held liable for transportation.
3. Opposition: The Freedom From Religion Action Fund opposes such laws, citing added pressure on students and concerns about divisiveness. They argue that religious education can be provided outside of school hours.
4. LifeWise: LifeWise, a religious organization, has approached schools in Ohio to provide religious classes during the school day. Most schools have worked with them, but some have declined. LifeWise primarily targets elementary school students and conducts classes off-campus during “special” class times or lunch breaks.

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