Lobbying & Government Entanglement
Legislative changes are being pushed by LifeWise Academy across the country. From 2024 to 2025, laws were influenced in several states through coordinated lobbying efforts. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, this level of political activity has raised concerns. Additional concern is created by the fact that LifeWise also identifies as a ministry. As a result, the line between religion and politics is being increasingly blurred.
The situation we find is precisely that which our nation’s founders tried to protect us from.
States and elected officials are being intentionally targeted by a religious organization with tax-exempt status. Model legislation has been used to advance policies that support organizational growth and funding. When laws are shaped in this way, freedom from religion in public education is put at risk. These actions have been viewed as incompatible with long-standing principles of church–state separation.
LifeWise has stated that its goal is for laws to be passed in every state. These laws would require public schools to accommodate its RTRI program. Early efforts were focused on states described internally as “low-hanging fruit,” including Indiana and Ohio. In these states, existing language allowed schools discretion. That language is now being changed from “may” to “shall,” and local decision-making authority is being removed.
Images Below Encompass Government Entanglement
This shift means that decisions are no longer left to local schools and communities. Instead, requirements are being imposed at the state level. What is best for students should be determined locally, not mandated at the request of a religious organization.
LifeWise has already been successful in Indiana, and proponent testimony is currently being led in Ohio. For those seeking information or assistance with submitting opposing testimony, resources are available through Honesty for Ohio Education.
Internal emails (also found here) further illustrate how these efforts have been coordinated. Legislative campaigns are shown to have been planned with direct involvement from LifeWise. Lawmakers were worked with privately, while public support was quietly organized and encouraged.
