Are Elmwood Local Schools and Lifewise Academy Breaking Ohio Law?
Lifewise Academy states religious instruction during the school day is legal, if three criteria are followed. "Off school Property. Privately funded. Parent permitted." Zorach vs Clauson, the supreme court case Lifewise also continuously mentions, says "a program which permits its public schools to release students during the school day so that they may leave the school buildings and school grounds and go to religious centers for religious instruction or devotional exercises."
Students at Elmwood Local Schools attend Lifewise Academy at the "Community Center" located on the school district property. The "Community Center" is on the property owned by the school district. The district rents space to Lifewise Academy. I would imagine that the district would say this makes it better. My argument against that is the school district is now in a contract with a ministry and is financially benefitting from that relationship. A school board document from May 13, 2024 (page 12) indicates the school receives rent from Lifewise.
An article from March 2022 says Lifewise's lawyers approved the arrangement. I hope to understand the reasons that Lifewise says this arrangement is legal when, based on the Supreme Court ruling and Ohio laws, it does not appear to be. This article will be updated as more information is available.
Lifewise has a document called "Finding the Right Location" that emphasizes programs should have high visibility and as much signage as possible. The Elmwood location has no signage. Is this because it operates on school property?
