LifeWise Academy, an optional Bible education program, is threatening to sue the Everett School District over alleged restrictions that prevent its participation in school events. The organization claims it was barred from attending a recent “School Resource Fair,” which is designed to connect families with local educational resources.
The restrictions imposed by the school district include prohibiting LifeWise Academy from participating in community events, displaying flyers on campus, and requiring students to keep any materials from the academy in sealed envelopes within their backpacks. Additionally, the district mandates a permission slip policy that parents must sign to allow their children to participate in the program. LifeWise Academy has criticized this policy as “needlessly complicated” and a violation of freedom of speech.
Legal Support and Claims of Discrimination
First Liberty Institute, a nonprofit legal organization focused on religious freedom, is providing legal support to LifeWise Academy. According to the academy, two representatives, Sarah and Darcie, attempted to display flyers at the resource fair but were turned away, while other organizations were permitted to participate. The school office reportedly declined to distribute LifeWise materials, categorizing them as “distribution,” despite displaying nearly 20 other flyers from different groups.
The Everett School District has not publicly commented on the situation, stating that the matter is “under review.” Some members of the school board have expressed their disapproval of LifeWise Academy’s program. In a meeting on September 9, 2023, school board President Traci Mitchell stated, “We, as a board, do not support or endorse programs that provide off-campus religious instruction during the school day, and prefer that students stay at school.” She acknowledged, however, that parents retain the right to request their child’s release for religious or non-religious purposes.
Community Reactions and Implications
This dispute raises significant questions about the balance between religious freedom and educational policy. While the district maintains its stance against off-campus religious instruction during school hours, LifeWise Academy argues that its restrictions infringe upon the rights of students and parents to access religious education.
The situation continues to unfold as both sides prepare for potential legal action. The outcome may set a precedent for how school districts across the country handle similar religious education programs. For now, LifeWise Academy is advocating for the removal of the restrictions it believes threaten its ability to operate freely within the community.