A parent sent this to us today.
Prairie Central Elementary School
Fairbury, Illinois
March 4, 2026
According to the parent, students attending LifeWise Academy were sent back to school with a craft and told to give it to a “friend.” Their child — who does not attend LifeWise — was one of the students who received it.
The parent also shared that this is not the first time students have been encouraged to carry materials back into school and invite classmates to participate.
Released Time Religious Instruction programs like LifeWise Academy are supposed to operate off school property and separate from the public school day.
But when students are encouraged to bring materials back into school and recruit classmates, that separation can start to blur.
Parents who choose not to participate deserve to know their children will not be pressured, targeted, or recruited during the school day.
Parents across the country have reported similar experiences, and we are continuing to document how these programs operate in districts nationwide.
If you have seen something like this happen in your district, we would like to hear from you.
📩 contact@seculareducationassociation.org
What people are saying:
- Secular Education Association: If you have seen LifeWise materials brought back into school or students encouraged to recruit classmates during the school day, please message us or email contact@seculareducationassociation.org. We are tracking reports nationally.
- Facebook User: It’s sad they use other kids to recruit for them.
- Facebook User: Not okay.
- Secular Education Association: Facebook User agreed, NOT ok.
- Facebook User: Lifewise students also gave “recruiting” Valentines to students who do not participate.
- Secular Education Association: Facebook User you’re absolutely correct, this is just one example of such.
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