A debate is brewing at the Statehouse over whether public schools can say no to religious education.
The religious teaching wouldn't happen inside actual school buildings, but the question is can districts keep students from leaving during lunch or recess for religious education.
At the center of the debate is the increasingly popular Hilliard-based LifeWise Academy, which runs in more than 500 schools in 23 U.S. states. The program buses 1st- through 5th-grade students to churches or other off-campus locations during school hours to learn about the Bible.
Joel Penton, the program's founder and CEO, is also a former Ohio State defensive lineman. He says he started the program because he has personally been impacted by the Bible and he wanted to share his experience with others. Penton said not everyone can afford a private, Christian school.
We’re talking about LifeWise Academy and religious dismissal during this hour of All Sides.
Guests:
- Ohio Sen. Al Cutrona
- Christina Collins, executive director, Honesty for Ohio Education
- Jaclyn Fraley, Westerville parent
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