LifeWise, religious instruction don’t belong in public schools
As a supporter of public education that is inclusive, equitable, and secular, I oppose the implementation of programs like LifeWise Academy, which remove students from public school classrooms during the school day for religious instruction.
Public schools serve a diverse population of students from a wide variety of religious, cultural, and philosophical backgrounds. While families have every right to practice and teach their faith outside of school hours, incorporating a religious program like LifeWise into the school day sends the wrong message because it blurs the line between church and state, disrupts instructional time, and implicitly endorses one faith tradition over others.
Moreover, allowing students to leave class for Bible study may cause unnecessary division among students, those who attend and those who don’t. It creates an environment where some children may feel excluded or pressured to participate in something that may not reflect their own beliefs. Public education should unite students, not separate them based on religion.
Our schools already face challenges in meeting academic standards and ensuring all students have access to a well-rounded education. Pulling students from school for religious instruction undermines this effort. If families wish to provide faith-based education, there are ample opportunities to do so outside the school day.
Religious freedom is a core American value, but so is the separation of church and state. LifeWise compromises the principle that public education must remain neutral to serve all students equally and fairly.
Susan Larson, Granville
Congress must be careful with social media regulation
As a mother, wife, and full-time entrepreneur, finding balance is a daily challenge. Luckily, I’ve found a solution in utilizing digital tools on my social media platforms that helps me keep my business running smoothly. These tools allow me to connect with my customers, promote my business, and build meaningful relationships with new and existing customers — all from my phone. I am able to stay on top of product photoshoots and shipping orders while also juggling my children’s extracurricular activities.
Entrepreneurship is truly my passion, but let’s be real: it’s not easy. Having affordable and effective tools at my fingertips is essential as a small business owner to grow and sustain my business. Fully utilizing social media has been a game changer, and especially being able to run targeted ads at a low cost helps me get my products and services in front of the right people without breaking the bank. For small businesses like mine in Ohio, this kind of access is not just helpful—it’s essential.
When I met with U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, in May, I shared how important it is that small businessowners continue to have access to these tools. Congressional discussions around social media regulation need to be thoughtful because limiting or complicating access to digital marketing could directly hurt my business and so many others like mine. It could mean fewer customers, fewer opportunities,and more challenges in an already tough economy.
My boutique is set to relaunch soon, and I have been using social media to stay connected to my community, grow my audience, and pursue my dreams — all while still being present for my family.
Small businesses are the heart of our communities, and we need digital tools that help us thrive, not hold us back.
April Polk, Columbus
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Letters: No LifeWise in public schools; Caution with digital regulation