In Support of Kentucky Citizens for Democracy

📢 Update/Call to Action: LifeWise

Board Chair Carly Clem has confirmed that the OCS Board will meet October 8 at 5:00 pm at the Arvin Center to discuss and vote on the “moral instruction” statute. She indicated that there will be no public expression on the agenda.

Background

Kentucky’s Attorney General recently confirmed that we are a “may” state. This means school districts have the option to not allow student release time from school for programs like LifeWise. The AG emphasized that the Board must submit evidence for their decision and the decision must not be discriminatory towards religion.

The Board is within its rights to reject LifeWise programs because of:

• Loss of more than 30 hours of instructional time each year.

• Devaluing of art, music, library, and technology programs.

• Major scheduling disruptions.

• Liability and insurance risks that could impact taxpayers.

• Loopholes that allow LifeWise staff to directly contact students outside school channels.

• Increased risk of bullying and exclusion.

• Legal exposure around separation of church and state.

• Pressure to approve any moral instruction program (including fringe or harmful groups) once one is approved.

LifeWise has sued parents, threatened organizations, and lobbied legislatures to force districts to adopt their programs. This is not a neutral, community-driven effort—it’s a national push with significant risks.

Call to Action

The Board needs substantial evidence to say “no.” Please contact your board members and remind them of the above reasons.

✅ Please attend the October 8 meeting to send a strong and unified message to the Board and community. Please wear your black KCfD shirt or anything black so that there is a clear visual of our opposition.

Thank you for standing up for all kids, all families, and our public schools.