WASHINGTON
Everett Public Schools.WA Board Member Mr. Adkins did something rare in today’s climate: he spoke the truth plainly about LifeWise Academy’s tactics, its extremist affiliations, and the harm these programs cause to real students and families.
Everett has faced months of sustained pressure from LifeWise organizers — including a legal threat letter demanding special treatment and attempting to intimidate the district. Families have repeatedly raised concerns about bullying tied to RTRI programs in other states, misuse of instructional time, and the broader Christian nationalist movement pushing LifeWise into public schools.
Mr. Adkins met that pressure with honesty and courage.
“Their threats and their attempt to silence me show all of us exactly who the people behind LifeWise are — authoritarians determined to crush dissent and suppress any challenge to their mission through fear and coercion.”
This is the kind of leadership school boards across the country need. When board members refuse intimidation and stand firmly on constitutional neutrality, students and families are protected — and extremism is exposed.
SEA applauds Mr. Adkins for speaking with clarity, integrity, and moral courage.
We encourage school board members everywhere to take a page out of Mr. Adkins’ book:
• Tell the truth.
• Center student wellbeing.
• Stand against coercion.
• Uphold the separation of church and state.
🎥 Video attached.
Public schools belong to all of us — and leadership like this helps keep them that way.
-Secular Education Association
What people are saying:
- Secular Education Association: Full Transcript https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EYJbxJdchucbx9F7YpBnEPNwUM20o4wrW8GIkhyrlpA/edit?usp=sharing
- Facebook User: I was there in the audience and I cried when he spoke. I had been so worried but felt so seen and relieved when he spoke. The applause felt like it would never end.
- Facebook User: In my farewell speech to the Anthony Wayne board meeting last Monday, I made mention of Lifewise, calling it out as a political group masquerading as religion bent on destroying public education, interrupting the sanctity of the school day. And I thought my speech would come off as offensive? Mr. Atkins puts me to shame! What a hero for public education. 
- Zachary Parrish: Facebook User your speech was so good! I’m going to clip it too.
- Facebook User: Facebook User thank you!!!
- Facebook User: WOW thank you for this!! A well synthesized statement and I’m glad to have you protecting our children. I can’t believe an organization like LifeWise is even able to exist
- Facebook User: Likewise is a problem
- Facebook User: Thank you!
- Facebook User: 👏🏾👏🏾
- Facebook User: Nice!!!
- Facebook User: Respect, appreciation for him.
- Facebook User: absolutely beautiful
- Facebook User: Bravo!
- Facebook User: Thank you sir..!
- Facebook User: Amazing! Fantastic! Facebook User
- Facebook User: Thank you
- Facebook User: Thank you sir!
- Facebook User: Facebook User
- Facebook User: Mr. Adkins and the speakers did an amazing job! 👏🏽
- Facebook User: Facebook User
- Facebook User: Excellent!
- Facebook User: FINALLY!!
- Facebook User: Thank you Charles!
- Facebook User: Thank you standing up for  liberty, and justice for all 💝
- Facebook User: Thank you so much for standing up for what is right!!! Everett is lucky to have you!!!!!
- Facebook User: Hello Charles Adkins! Wow. Really incredible and sad that this doesn’t happen more often.
- Facebook User: Kudos to you for speaking out!!! What a speech.
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