Washington District Pays $275,000 and Apologizes in LifeWise Released-Time Dispute
Everett Public Schools settled with LifeWise Academy; the agreement includes training and policy changes.
A Washington school district has agreed to pay and apologize in a case about a voluntary Bible-education program. Everett Public Schools settled with LifeWise Academy, paying $275,000 in attorney fees, issuing an apology, and agreeing to training and policy changes, according to Townhall and other outlets. First Liberty and Bryan Cave represented LifeWise.
LifeWise Academy offers off-campus religious instruction during the school day for students whose parents opt them in, a model known as released time. The district acknowledged difficulties for families and apologized for offensive remarks by a board member.
Source note: much of the coverage comes from outlets and legal groups sympathetic to LifeWise, and Townhall's framing is advocacy. The district's own statement characterizes the matter more narrowly. We report the settlement terms as described by the parties.
Why it matters: released-time programs have a long history of constitutional support, and districts that block them risk legal exposure. For parents who want faith included in their children's weekday, the settlement is a signal that districts must apply their policies neutrally.
Facts above are attributed to the linked reporting. Statements in a source's own opinion section are labeled as commentary. We correct errors promptly.
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