This is the part people need to understand:
It will not always be called LifeWise.
Sometimes it will be “God Squad.”
Sometimes it will be “character.”
Sometimes it will be “Bible release time.”
Sometimes it will be some sweet little local name that sounds harmless.
Different name.
Different flyer.
Different curriculum.
Same basic model:
Pull public school children out during the school day for religious instruction.
And right there in the post, they say this program is “like LifeWise.”
Pay attention…
Because LifeWise has already shown communities how this works: get access to public school students during the school day, brand it as “character,” lean on parent permission, and make the school schedule bend around the program.
And notice this line:
“Watch your child’s backpack for information.”
That is a serious problem.
Public schools are not supposed to distribute religious recruitment materials to children during the school day.
School neutrality toward religion means the school itself should not be functioning as a delivery system for Bible class promotion.
Not for Christianity.
Not for any religion.
Now other groups are watching.
They do not need the LifeWise name to copy the LifeWise model.
So when you see a “new” Bible class pop up in your district, do not stop at the name. Ask the real questions:
When are students being pulled?
What class or study period are they missing?
Who is transporting them?
Who is tracking attendance?
Who approved the schedule?
What curriculum is being used?
What happens to the children who stay behind?
How much public school staff time is being used to make this work?
Parents: save every flyer. Screenshot every post. Ask who approved it.
This is not just one program in one town.
This is the spread of released-time religious instruction under a thousand local labels. Across our entire country.
Public schools belong to everyone.
They are not infrastructure for church recruitment.
What people are saying:
- Secular Education Association: If a flyer comes home in your child’s backpack, save it.
Then ask the district, in writing:
Who approved this?
Is this during the school day?
Is this off campus?
What class or study period are students missing?
Who is distributing the flyers?
Who is tracking attendance?
What curriculum is being used?
What are nonparticipating students doing instead?Do not rely on rumors. Document everything.
- Facebook User: Lifewise makes me sick!
- Secular Education Association: Facebook User us too! But honestly, all of these programs are as bad.
- Facebook User: Secular Education Association I agree!
- Facebook User: No religion in schools!
- Facebook User: “Public schools are not supposed to distribute religious recruitment materials to children during the school day. School neutrality toward religion means the school itself should not be functioning as a delivery system for Bible class promotion.”
- Facebook User: NoNoNo to religion in schools!!!
- Facebook User: The flyer says there are already Catholic CCD classes offered. I’m Catholic and I would never approve of CCD in the public school. Keep church and state separate.
- Facebook User: Just reading the flyer makes me need a shower.
- Facebook User: Parents need to step up –
“The After School Satan Club does not believe in introducing religion into public schools and will only open a club if other religious groups are operating on campus. ASSC exists to provide a safe and inclusive alternative to the religious clubs that use threats of eternal damnation to convert school children to their belief system. Unlike our counterparts, who publicly measure their success in young children’s “professions of faith,” the After School Satan Club program focuses on science, critical thinking, creative arts, and good works for the community. While engaged in all of these activities, we want clubgoers to have a good time.”
- Facebook User: We like god in schools. You don’t?
- Facebook User: The Likewise program is voluntary. You and your ilk violate the freedom of religion of those who want to participate with your constant whining and asinine complaints. Butt out.
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