Public school students are allowed to earn one hour of elective credit for Bible study or religious instruction as long as church and community leaders provide the location, instructors, transportation and policies. School officials cannot be involved in the classes nor can the classes take place on school property. The elective credit opportunity, known as released-time education, is not a new concept nor is it outside the law. In 1952, the U.S. Supreme Court in Zorach v. Clauson, 343 U.S. 306 upheld the right for school boards to adopt a policy allowing for religious instruction in this manner.
On this week’s TAB News, co-hosts Jennifer Rash and Debbie Campbell talk with Stan Davis and Winston Greer of School Ministries Birmingham to understand more about how released-time education works and why churches should get involved.
