Westerville School Board Ends Religious Release Time Policy

Westerville School Board President Kristy Meyer, center, reads a prepared statement before the vote to rescind the policy.

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education voted 4-0 on Monday night to rescind its religious release time policy. This decision ended a program that allowed LifeWise Academy to take students off-campus for Bible instruction during the school day.

LifeWise supporters, identifiable by their red attire, argued the program offered valuable lessons in character development. Opponents, many dressed in black, raised concerns about religious influence during the school day and potential bullying of students who did not participate.

The vote followed two hours of intense public comments from supporters and opponents. The board's decision drew strong reactions from both sides. Supporters of LifeWise argued that the program offered valuable character education and respected parental choice. Critics expressed concerns about religious coercion and discrimination against non-Christian students.

Board President Kristy Meyer explained in a prepared statement that the decision was driven by concerns about the policy’s impact on the school environment and the potential burden on the district if several religious groups started similar programs. The board's focus, Meyer said, is to keep students engaged during the instructional day without disruptions caused by leaving and returning.

Opponents celebrate after the vote to rescind the policy.

The board emphasized that while students can still be excused for religious observances, this decision limits activities that involve students being removed for organized religious instruction.

Jennifer Jury, Program Director for LifeWise, expressed disappointment with the board’s decision, citing what she believes is misinformation about the program’s purpose. Jury indicated the organization might explore other options for providing religious instruction outside school hours.

Supporters of the repeal, including Jacalyn Fraley of Westerville Parents United, argued the vote reinforced the focus on academics without external religious influence. She expressed relief that her young children would not face peer pressure to join such programs during school hours.

A young girl retrieves a poster after the board votes to rescind the policy that allowed Lifewise to remove students from school for religious instruction.

The intense debate highlighted broader community concerns, including comments on religious diversity and the role of faith-based programs in public education. Several members of the Westerville Muslim community attended to voice their thoughts. Their concerns were heightened by recent remarks targeting Islam and the appointment of Anisa Liban, a Muslim board member, who abstained from voting.

The religious release policy controversy began in August when the board initially suspended it due to liability concerns. This final vote removes the policy completely, leaving programs the option to operate outside school hours.

With the repeal now official, those interested in religious education can still seek opportunities outside the regular school day, ensuring that classroom instruction remains uninterrupted. The board's decision is expected to have a ripple effect as other districts observe the outcome in Westerville and consider similar policies in their schools.

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