A new state law allowing public school students to miss class time for religious instruction is facing pushback from Durham residents.
The law, approved by legislators in July, stipulates that schools must excuse one to four hours per week of “released time religious instruction” (RTRI) upon parental request. In Durham, a district policy currently under revision allows students to miss up to one hour of school per week.
“I know that, to a certain extent, your hands are tied––the [state] legislature has decreed that you do this,” said Eric Thomas, a graduate of North Carolina’s public schools at a school board work session Thursday. “But I’m convinced there’s a way you can do it that will mitigate any potential harm to our students.”
Under the draft policy, Durham students will not receive academic credit for participating in “released time.” They are also forbidden from missing testing days or core classes, including mathematics, science, social studies, and English language arts. Additionally, no state or local funds may be used toward facilitating this time off school.
Helen Wolfson, a Durham resident, urged the district to strengthen the policy.
“Education is crucial for the well-being of our children and the well-being of our democracy,” she said.
Wolfson recommended that the district amend the policy to ensure that school schedules are not altered for “released time” and to mandate background checks for any private organization providing religious instruction, among other proposed changes.
She also pointed to LifeWise Academy, an Ohio-based Christian educational organization offering off-campus religious instruction, as part of the movement for “released time.” The organization, which has lobbied for nationwide legislation in favor of religious time off school, received financial backing from the Heritage Foundation, a prominent right-wing think tank.
Students who miss class for religious instruction must provide written documentation from their parents requesting an excused absence.
Earlier this month, the Wake County school board passed a new policy permitting up to one hour of “released time” per week.
At least 14 states require school districts to have “released time” policies.
Tanya Wan
