Everett Schools Apologizes for Anti-Religious Remarks After Settlement, Attorney Says

Everett Public Schools in Washington state has issued an apology following a religious freedom dispute involving LifeWise Academy, an organization offering off-campus Bible education to public school students, according to First Liberty Institute counsel Holly Randall. Randall explains that released-time religious instruction allows students to leave public school during the school day for voluntary religious education, provided it takes place off school property, has parental consent and does not receive public funding. The attorney says the U.S. Supreme Court has recognized the constitutionality of qualifying released-time religious instruction programs. Randall also says Everett school board members previously made remarks about LifeWise Academy and participating families that were hostile to their religious beliefs. According to Randall, Everett Public Schools posted an apology acknowledging those remarks as part of the settlement. The dispute raises questions about religious freedom, parental rights, public education and students' ability to participate in voluntary off-campus religious instruction. Subscribe to The Center Square for more Washington education news, religious freedom cases, school board controversies and government accountability. #EverettPublicSchools #LifeWiseAcademy #ReligiousFreedom #FirstLibertyInstitute #ParentalRights #WashingtonState #Education