1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

Among the education policy changes included in the budget bill lawmakers hope to pass this week, is a requirement that students be given released time for religious instruction (RTRI) during school. Recently large, multi-state religious organizations have been leading efforts to establish academies for RTRI across NC. So the General Assembly is proposing to require each school to entrust students (of any age from 5-18) to unvetted adults who are not responsible to the school system, the superintendent, the parents or anybody???? What religions? Who decides whether a “Jew,”, a “Muslim,” a “Christian,” a “Satanist,” a “Wiccan,” or a “not listed” can provide religious instruction to my child? Who provides transportation? Are they insured? Are the drivers vetted? Do they have to provide the school or parents with proof of insurance? Who at the General Assembly is going to be liable for abuse or accidental injury? Are you people out of your minds?