COLUMBUS, Ohio-During Monday night’s board of education meeting, the Westerville schools reinstated the controversial LifeWise Academy religious program, which was previously suspended due to liability and compliance issues. LifeWise Academy is a Bible program that operates off-school property and requires parental permission for student participation. The program’s reinstatement has sparked debate among parents. Some, like Steve Zeune, argue that religion has no place in public schools and see the program as divisive. Others, including Becca Meacham, are concerned about the policy allowing outside religious organizations to influence schools and are calling for changes to the policy. Joel Penton, LifeWise Academy’s founder, argues that the program is legally permissible under current guidelines and offers a balanced approach by providing optional religious education outside of school hours.
