🚨IOWA districts had local control until 2025.

Despite how this article reads; this is not some long-standing, unavoidable law that school boards have always had to accept.

Iowa’s released-time religious instruction law was changed in 2025 from “may” to “shall” through HF 870.

Before 2025, local school districts had discretion. They could decide whether or not to allow released-time religious instruction. Local boards had a say. Now districts like Newton are being told they must comply if a private religious program meets the requirements.

🚨THEN LifeWise Academy lobbied to change the law.

So when Newton school board members sound frustrated, confused, and boxed in – that is not an accident.
👉That is the result of a coordinated legislative strategy.

First, pass a mandatory state law.
Then remove local control.
Then tell school boards their hands are tied.
Then blame the community when people object.

This is exactly why we track released-time religious instruction laws and LifeWise lobbying across the country.

Because the public deserves to know when “parent choice” is being used to strip decision-making power away from local public school boards and actual public school parents.

➡️Newton did not just wake up inside this problem.
➡️The law changed.
➡️LifeWise lobbied for that change.

And now Iowa districts are dealing with the consequences.

Pay attention. Speak up. Push back.

Further reporting – https://www.newtondailynews.com/article/3019,school-board-frustrated-over-released-time-laws-allowing-religious-instruction

📍 Check your state on SEA’s RTRI State Law & LifeWise Lobbying Map:
https://seculareducationassociation.org/released-time-religious-instruction-state-law-lifewise-lobbying-map/

View original post on Facebook