Early History

    It is reported that as early as 1905, the idea of released-time education in the United States was birthed.  History tells us, a school conference in New York City first discussed the idea.  It was proposed at that time, for public elementary schools to be closed one day a week, in addition to Sunday, for religious education. This would give parents the option for their children to receive religious instruction outside school grounds with the public school accommodating their schedules for the program.  The public school system is not involved in the religious program taught off premises.  This defines released-time in the United States public school system today.  It is the ability for the public school to “accommodate their schedules to a program of outside religious instruction.”  

    In 1914, a superintendent of the school district in Gary, Indiana, by the name of Dr. William Albert Wirt, put the idea in action.  It is reported, that in the initial five years of Wirt’s released-time program, over 600 students attended religious education classes off-campus.  The released-time program continued to grow tremendously.  By 1922, 23 states were actively participating with programs in 200 school districts, totaling approximately 40,000 students.  Growth continued and by 1947, enrollment totals reached an amazing 2 million students, with legislation implemented in 12 states.

 

Legal Challenges and Guidelines

    Since 1945, several legal cases arose in the US that both challenged released-time education and state law, as well as established guidelines for the continued success in current programs.  One of the most pivotal court cases involving released-time education is the 1952 case that came before the Supreme Court.  The case of Zorach v. Clauson involved New York state education law focusing on a regulation by which a public school was permitted to release the students during normal school hours for religious studies.  The high court, in a 6 to 3 ruling, determined that New York’s school district did not violate the law and “involved neither religious instruction in public schools nor the expenditure of public school funds.” (Justice William O. Douglas). Therefore, the New York City Program was upheld as constitional.  Various court cases, like this one, have paved the way for guidelines and regulations of released-time programs. Supporters of released-time programs outline these guidelines as such:  

                Classes must not be held on public school property

                Religious instruction may not be financed by public funds

                Students must have parent permission to be released from public school for attending religious instruction

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Today

    Today there are over 1,000 released-time programs in operation nationwide.  School Ministries, Inc. (SMI), a non-profit multi-denominational Christian organization headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina has taken a national role in Released-Time Bible Education.  SMI provides support for existing Released-TIme Programs and aids in the establishment of new programs.  Since its formation in 1991, SMI continues to address legal challenges, raise program awareness, conduct research, and provide training nationwide.  It is reported from 2001, SMI has a consistent annual growth rate of 13% in students served. 

 

To learn more about South Carolina Released-Time laws and guidelines or those that apply to a particular state, you may visit releasedtime.org.