Ohio school districts will soon be required to have a religious release time policy, paving the way for an expansion of LifeWise Academy. While supporters praise it, some parents say their kids have been bullied for not participating, and point to school day disruption.
Gov. Mike DeWine recently signed House Bill 8 into law , a bill that mandates Ohio school districts to have a religious release time policy. The law takes effect in April. The state’s current law permits such a policy, but this will now require one.
LifeWise Academy, a controversial Hilliard-based religious instruction program, enrolls 50,000 students across 29 states — including about 160 Ohio school districts…