I attended a Westerville City Schools Board (WCSB) meeting recently to show my support for LifeWise Academy. The meeting illustrated the great cultural divide in our country. In the State of Ohio, per Ohio Revised Code section 3313.6022, public school districts may release students during the school day for religious instruction time. LifeWise Academy currently has an agreement with Westerville City Schools District (WCSD) for such a program. LifeWise transports students offsite for religious instruction. LifeWise incurs the expense of the program. LifeWise’s program is offered to ALL students who wish to participate. I was quite perplexed by some of the concerns individuals seeking rescission of the LifeWise program brought before the WCSB. A recurring theme was LifeWise’s lack of “inclusiveness.” See, LifeWise is offering “Christian” religious instruction, so it is problematic for parents who do not want their kids to attend to say no and explain why to their children. These parents feel they should not have to have this discussion with their children. Additionally, some parents are uncomfortable with Lifewise’s enticing red school bus and offer of cupcakes and other treats to children participating in the program while the children are off campus involved in religious instruction. Dismay was also expressed that children who attend the program often share their Christian faith with their peers. Two individuals who spoke in favor of Westerville not rescinding its Religious Instruction Release Time policy offered impressive rebuttals to some reasons voiced in favor of nixing the LifeWise program. A parent who came to this country from Africa and has a child in the program told the board she was confused. She told the board that America is known throughout the world for its religious freedom and many people who suffer religious persecution come to this country to experience the promise of religious freedom. Another individual explained to the board that Christians strive for a Christ centered life and for many Christians their faith is the most important thing in their life. Why would Christian children not talk to their peers about the most important thing in their lives?
What is the definition of inclusive?
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22: 6 (ESV).
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