History (1914-2005)

History of Bible Education in School Time

Currently in South Carolina 5000 public school students attend Bible Education classes at 70 schools in 20 school districts.

In 1914, Dr. William Wirt, superintendent of Gary, Indiana, school system, started Bible Education in School Time with 619 students. Bible Education in School Time classes have found their place in public school schedules for over 90 years, and currently over 250,000 young people are enrolled in such classes across the nation. While such programs can be conducted in any state, some states have enjoyed greater promotion of the concept while citizens in other states are largely not informed regarding the possibilities of this particular type of Christian ministry.

Legality

As might be expected, the legality of Bible Education in School Time has been challenged in our court systems. The landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling came in 1952 in Zorach vs. Clauson where this method of religious instruction was upheld as being constitutional. While many people believe that the courts overturned such practices in the 1960's, they are mistaken and there has been no adverse court ruling regarding off-campus religious instruction during the school day. This practice, with certain guidelines, is recognized as being totally within the framework of our constitution and is legal in all fifty states. There are basically three guidelines that must be followed: Classes must be held off school property. No public funds may be used to finance such programs. Students must have signed parental permission to attend Bible Education in School Time classes.