In what some are calling a “breach of public trust,” a San Diego-area school district is being sued for its student yoga programs claiming it is not in compliance with the California constitution’s right to religious freedom.
On Wednesday, The National Center for Law and Policy filed suit on behalf of parents, Stephen and Jennifer Sedlock, whose children are students in the Encinitas Union School District. The yoga program began in the area last fall and is offered during physical education classes. Students have the choice of opting out.
The suit views the program as “inherently and pervasively religious” as the foundation funding the program, the Jois Foundation, is considered a religious organization. However, the group claims their focus is on educating children, not pressing religion on them. School district Superintendent Timothy Baird sees no reason for the suit.
“We have not stripped religion out of it. We never put religion in it,” Baird said. “What we took out were cultural connections, so we don’t use Sanskrit words. But basically what you have kids doing is stretching, moving, breathing. That’s not religious.”
The lawsuit aims to suspend the program indefinitely and “restore traditional physical education to the district.”
View the complete story on the Today website.
BMWK — Would you have an issue with your child participating in yoga in school? Do you believe the religious backgrounds of the practice can be ignored?
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