Secular Education Association first published our Example RTRI Policy in January 2025, right after Ohio’s religious released time law changed. (RTRI)
We built it because districts needed more than a vague “shall allow.”
They needed real policy language.
They needed guardrails.
They needed a way to protect students, families, staff, instructional time, and school neutrality while navigating released time religious instruction.
Since then, SEA’s model policy has been shared with local board members, used by advocates in multiple communities, and included as a resource in Freedom From Religion Foundation guidance sent to ALL Ohio school districts.
And while it was created in response to Ohio’s law, it was never meant to stay in Ohio.
Released time programs are expanding nationally. Districts across the country need clear, enforceable policies before problems happen – – not after.
Our model policy is designed to help communities ask the right questions and push for protections around attendance, transportation, supervision, liability, bullying, privacy, missed instruction, staff time, and the rights of students who do not participate.
Because “released time” may leave the building.
But the impact comes right back into the school day.
Policy matters.
Public schools belong to everyone.
SEA’s Example RTRI Policy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSBZ8wGFKKupB1kjFVhDdM5DP9hXRAe1rqF6R8dLHHIb_u-G1F_dVr-bwg2xs1GMo4KjNubfAWwutU0/pub?
What people are saying:
- Secular Education Association: 📌 Read and share SEA’s Example RTRI Policy here:
If released time religious instruction is coming to your district, don’t wait for problems to happen first. Send this to your local board members and ask what enforceable policy protections are in place for students, staff, families, instructional time, and school neutrality.
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