While the U.S. Constitution permits religious classes taught in public schools, complex regulations make them challenging to start and maintain. In Ohio, two lawmakers have sponsored a bill to allow parents and students more freedom of choice and have schools provide more opportunities. If you believe your child's school is holding them back, contact the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or visit our confidential online consultation form.

Ohio Legislation Provides Simple Change

Legislation introduced in the Ohio General Assembly would require public schools to adopt policies allowing students to attend religious classes during the school day if their parents grant consent. The move would address a complex issue of religious freedom in public schools.

Currently, two Supreme Court decisions have made teaching religious classes to public school students during the school day legal, but federal law places multiple restrictions on them. For instance, some contend that school staff members cannot teach religious classes, and they cannot be conducted on school grounds or utilize school funds.

States can also establish further regulations, such as in Ohio, where the following must occur:

• Parents must give written permission.
• The organization providing religious instruction must keep attendance.
• Students cannot miss core classes to attend.
• Schools cannot be held liable for anything that happens while transporting students.
• Transportation cannot involve school funds.

The bill looks to provide parents with a better option to opt their children into religious classes during the day with a simple yet impactful bill. The legislation would change one word in the current law from “may” to “shall.”

What Does the Change Mean for Student and Parent Rights?

Ohio's move follows in the footsteps of neighboring Indiana and Wisconsin, which have laws similar to those proposed. Ohio legislator Gary Click, one of the bill's cosponsors, said his constituents tried to rescind an active policy allowing released time after religious organizations made proposals to enter a local school district. He said he wanted to make sure there was a policy allowing students to take advantage of the above opportunities.

Critically, the bill would not mandate what the school's policy for religious organizations would be. “More and more parents in Ohio would like their children to participate in religious release time programs,” said legislator Al Cutrona, the bill's other cosponsor. “By being proactive in considering how release time programs work before groups of parents ask for an option, school districts will be in the best position to tailor a program that works within the academic framework of the district.”

How Can the Lento Law Firm Help Students and Parents?

When state legislation provides a pathway for greater student and parent choice, schools can use that to create additional guidelines and institutional frameworks of constraint. When your student has barriers placed in front of a religious class they want to attend, the Lento Law Firm stands prepared to defend their rights and opportunities.

Our team of attorneys will be your advocate toward the school to ensure your children get the education they desire. Contact the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team at 888-535-3686 now or visit our confidential online consultation form.