When PPJ met in June, we had a lively discussion about Lifewise Academy and potential harm to our public schools and our community. We’d like to share a few resources.

If you are concerned about Lifewise Academy coming to public schools for release time religious instruction during the school day, you may follow the issue at:

1. Parents Against Lifewise Facebook Group

2. Parents Against Lifewise website : https://parentsagainstlifewise.online/

H.B. 445, currently in the Ohio Legislature, seeks to COMPEL all public school districts to adopt a policy permitting release time religious instruction. Current Ohio law states that a school district MAY adopt such a policy. H.B. 445 would change the word “may” to “shall”.

H.B. 445 Resources:

1. The Ohio Legislature page for H.B. 445 
2. The bill is currently in the Primary and Secondary Education Committee
3. ***Action: When the hearing is held to receive testimony from opponents, it will be important to submit testimony by email or in person. 
4. You may sign up to receive email notices of committee business at this link.
5. A hearing for proponent testimony has already been held on June 4th. You may read proponent testimony at this link.

PPJ urges you to check out the Parents Against Lifewise Facebook and website pages above to learn why you should be concerned and what you can do.