Proposed Ohio Bill to Allow Off-Campus Religious Instruction for Public School Students

Columbus Ohio - Ohio is considering a new bill that would require public schools to let students leave campus during the school day for religious instruction classes held by private entities. This proposed legislation aims to formalize "released time" programs in public education, building on existing laws and Supreme Court precedents.

The bill mandates that public schools allow students to be excused for religious instruction classes conducted off-campus by private religious organizations. These classes would not use public funds or school personnel, emphasizing private funding and parental consent.

This proposal extends House Bill 164, which already guarantees students' rights to express religious views in school assignments and provides a moment of silence. It's also rooted in the 1952 Supreme Court ruling in Zorach v. Clauson, which upheld the constitutionality of allowing students to leave campus for religious instruction with parental consent and private funding.

Proponents argue that the bill prevents families from "paying twice" for education—once through taxes for public schooling and again for private religious instruction. They believe it offers an equitable solution for parents wanting religious education for their children without additional financial burden. Critics, however, question the necessity of the bill, pointing out that First Amendment protections already allow for religious expression in schools. They also worry about the administrative burden on schools and the potential implications for the separation of church and state.

The bill includes specific requirements, such as parental consent, for students to attend these off-campus classes. Students would be responsible for any missed schoolwork, and schools could award up to two credits for released time courses if they meet secular academic criteria.

In some districts in central Ohio, like Olentangy, students already have the option to leave for religious instruction through programs like those offered by LifeWise Academy, an evangelical Christian organization.

The key difference between released time courses and religious classes in public schools lies in their location and funding. Released time courses occur off public school property, are conducted and funded by private religious organizations, require parental consent, and do not use public funds or school personnel. Conversely, religious classes held within public school buildings during the school day would be funded and administered by the public school system, do not require parental consent as part of the curriculum, and use public funds and school staff.

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