COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Some students returning to school are also heading back to religious education programs, and organizations like LifeWise will soon be able to take advantage of greater rights than last year.
Starting next month, Ohio’s public school districts will no longer be allowed to place certain limitations on released time for religious instruction programs. Now, public schools must allow organizations to send trinkets, candy and other materials back with students. Districts must also allow students to attend off-campus religious instruction classes for at least one period per week, although no more than twice.
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Hilliard-based LifeWise is among the nation’s most prolific RTRI organizations. RTRI refers to religious instruction during the school day, which is legal so long as it occurs off school property and with parental permission.
Ohio law initially gave districts a lot of freedom over how they permit religious release time, but the legislature removed some flexibility this summer. This will require many public districts, including Columbus City Schools, the state’s largest district, to update their policies. See previous coverage of Columbus’ policy in the video player above…