Petition opposing new Findlay Schools policy gains support

An online petition opposing a recent decision by the Findlay City Schools Board of Education is gaining momentum. As of Thursday evening, the "Findlay City Schools' Community Against Lifewise Academy" petition had 630 signatures, with a goal of 1,000 signatures. The organizer, identified only as "A.H." on the petition, has asked that The Courier withhold her name for fear of retaliation. She said eventually she will approach school officials, along with other supporters, to protest a new policy that allows the school district to dismiss children from school for religious instruction.The school board approved the new policy, titled "Released Time for Religious Instruction," at its regular meeting on July 25. The vote was 3-1, with board Vice President Laura Eier opposed, and board member Susan Russel absent. The policy first appeared on the agenda as a discussion item at the board's July 11 meeting. Under the policy, students will be permitted to be released from school for religious instruction, under rules consistent with state law, which includes written parental/guardian permission. A copy of the full policy adopted by the board is available with this story online at www.thecourier.com.In the petition, "A.H." challenges the use of public school time for religious instruction. Lifewise Academy, based in Hilliard, provides Bible-based character education to public school students. According to the petition, efforts are underway locally to establish an academy for grade schools in Findlay."Arguments have been brewing against the program. Some say it is stealing valuable learning/developmental time away from children, especially by replacing art, gym, or study time with religion. Others question whether parents will force their children into these religious classes," A.H. wrote in the petition. "A solid argument is 'separation of church and state.' Why is a public school system allowing kids to use school time for religious learning? Offering opportunity for practicing Christians, while leaving out other religions or children that are not religious is simply not fair and will cause divide or worse, bullying. No matter your reason for not supporting this program, I think the one argument we can all get behind is that Christian Bible study should not take place during public school hours."In casting her dissenting vote, Eier expressed similar concerns about students missing classes, leaving the buildings during school hours, and the need for non-district transportation.On Tuesday, Board President Matt Cooper said the policy is new to Findlay City Schools, but many school districts allow release time for religious education. "This policy is consistent with the requirements of the Ohio Revised Code and was recommended to the policy committee by the Ohio School Boards Association," Cooper said. "Findlay has always been a district that strives to provide opportunities for our students which is consistent with our strategic plan."A copy of Ohio Revised Code 3313.6022, the section of state law that addresses release time for religious education by public schools, is also available at www.thecourier.com with this story. The complete petition may be viewed at www.change.org/p/findlay-city-schools-community-against-lifewise-academyVideo of Findlay school board meetings is available on YouTube at FCS Board of Education.More information about LifeWise Academy is available at www.lifewiseacademy.org.