Majority also support teaching public school children biblical lessons

Press Release: LifeWise Academy

March 6, 2024

COLUMBUS, OH – Americans overwhelmingly believe that moral and character development is an effective way to address behavior and disciplinary problems at school, according to a new poll released by LifeWise Academy and RMG Research. The survey of 1,000 registered voters was conducted from February 13 to February 14.

“The survey shows us that Americans are united in their belief that character and moral development can effectively meet the challenges of today’s classrooms,” said Joel Penton, Founder and CEO of LifeWise, a nonprofit that provides Bible education to public school students during school hours under released time religious instruction laws. “Further, a majority see the value of teaching Bible lessons to public school children. Organizations like LifeWise are meeting the demand of families, schools and communities who want the option of religious instruction during school hours.”

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1952 that public school students could receive religious instruction during the school day provided the program is off school property, privately funded and parent permitted.

KEY INSIGHTS:

Over 75% of American Voters Believe Student Behavior Is More Problematic Now Than Before COVID:

• 78% of voters believe behavior and discipline in schools is getting worse. 
• 76% of voters believe that the behavior of students creates greater challenges for teachers and administrators compared to pre-COVID times.

Large Majority of American Voters Agree Character Education Is a Valuable Tool to Address Behavioral Issues in School:

• 71% of voters believe that teaching character education can help teachers and schools be more effective overall.
• 76% of voters are in favor of teaching moral and character education to public school children.

Majority of American Voters Support Using Biblical Values to Teach Character Education to Public School Children:

• 56% of voters endorse teaching public school children character lessons alongside biblical values, as long as it is with parental consent. 
• They also believe biblical values help children become good citizens.

View the full poll results at lifewise.org.

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About LifeWise Academy:

LifeWise Academy is a nonprofit that provides Bible education to public school students during school hours under released time religious instruction laws. Hundreds of communities have launched local LifeWise programs through a 10-step process that begins with collecting community signatures at lifewise.org.

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