It seems inappropriate to let students leave school for a nonacademic class, regardless of what it is. Even if these students are performing satisfactorily in their required subjects, certainly they could receive additional instruction at school in an area necessary for moving ahead with required studies. Additionally, although this is billed as an outside activity, it still puts an additional requirement on the school to keep up with students comings and goings. It would be better for the parents to take care of religious education on their own time, outside of the alloted school time.

The fact that the program is not titled "religion release program" points to another attempt to extend the right wing Christian agenda. That plus the fact that very important activities like foreign language, music, etc. that are being given up are critical for a well rounded education demonstrate that this is just a truly bad idea. There is plenty of other time for parents to take their children to their place of worship for religious learning. Do it on your own time!

school has been interfering with religious studies in georgia for too long. back to basics. with some more "release programs" from the tyranny of socialized brain care, maybe we can finally beat south carolina as lowest performing schools in the nation. that's nothing to be ashamed of. we could do better if we wanted. we just don't want. so there, federal government. our babies is can learners of read.

So we have a VOLUNTARY program, conducted on "SPECIAL" time, funded not one bit by taxpayers, yet the "I don't believe in God so I'm not going to let you either" waste evacuatory orifices scream and holla.
Yet these same life support systems for genitalia want the taxpayer to pay for all the immoral acts of those who do NOT believe.

Great program. Where do I send my contribution to the moral and ethical instruction of these Richmond County Youth?

It is a parent's right to educate their children in whatever religion they want to. Did any of you notice the "parental permission" statement? Religious parents of ALL faiths have always taught their children the ways of worship. Non religious people have a hard time wrapping their minds around this concept. I think it is a great program. Dr. Ellison is a fine educator who is just offering a program that is obviously well supported in her community. I say cudos to her and the kids at HES.

We need to see more of this even if we have to set up trailers across the street from school property.
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This is EXACTLY how it worked back in the horribly poor and 98% "minority" neighborhood schools where Aye grew up. Trailers parked on the street, teachers took us back and forth from school bldg, and you know what? Exactly ZERO people complained.
Before you cast a stick at another's eye, remove the beam from thine own.

I think this is a wonderful idea. They should have this in every school.

"So they're not missing any of the core curriculum" , "so they talked about good ethics and good moral standards,", "We don't force anybody to do it. ... It helps give children some guidance. I think it's helped in discipline,",Asked whether other faiths had such an offering, Minchew said that to her knowledge there had been no such request from the public and no recent complaints about the Christian-based program." I do believe they are sticking to teaching core academics, it is not taught on school property, parents have to give permission and no complaints from other parents....so tell me again why this is a bad thing.

What's wrong with the parents educating their children on the 10 Commandments? Why don't parents take on the responsibility themselves of teaching morals and the Commandments, instead of pushing it off onto someone else?

Wait until some cult sets up outside a school, or a Muslim school. Then people will scream.

And yes, it is inappropriate to release children during school time for something that is not school related. Because under any other circumstances, taking your children out of school for things like dance lessons and gymnastic lessons- which are just as appropriate- are counted as unexcused absences.

Sooner or later, something bad is going to happen, and then there will be a big lawsuit- of which taxpayers will have to pay for.

Well, no, it hasn't. In 1948, it was declared unConstitutional because Release Time was being held on school property.

It must be off school grounds and totally voluntary to be Constitutional.

But I don't understand- how is it that they are getting their PE time, if they are being released during Specials time?

Quote- "At Hephzibah, students are released once a week during "specials time," when students participate in music, physical education and a computer club.

"So they're not missing any of the core curriculum," Ellison said, noting that students still get their required PE time."

Let me clarify, the program as is administered today throughout the country has long been held constitutional.
Forgive me for not addressing the way the program was administered decades ago, which is not how Richmond County administers it.

Inappropriate? Unconstitutional? Brainwashing? For the uneducated, this has approval of the courts, has been in place for many years, is optional and requires parent approval and does not interfere with core curriculum. I can see why so many people would be upset that our students are learning ethics, morals, discipline and other information that was taught in our schools for many years when our schools actually put out quality students. There is not any tax money being used and if you or your children don't want to participate you don't have to and yet you still spew silliness from your closed liberal minds....

This program is purely and simply inappropriate. The constant, informal (and often inaccurate) religious teachings that go on in school here in wrong too. Did you know the stripes on the candy cane represent the father, son, and holly ghost? No kidding, that was part of a discussion between a teacher and her entire class in our public school here during regular class hours! Where is the ACLU anyway?

Sometimes I don't understand people. This program is "inappropriate"? Perhaps, it is inappropriate for you and your child. That is why the program requires parental permission. But for me and my child, it is appropriate. Again, this is not taught on campus and is not taught by teachers.
My rights end where yours begin and vice versa. It would be inapproprate for religious parents to require non-religious children to participate, and it is equally inappropriate for non-religious parents to forbid religious children from participating.

Right, Insider. Liberals, (Progressives), claim to be so tolerant but wind up truly being the most intolerant of all.