Released Time Programs Are Alive and Well

Over 50 years ago in Zorach v. Clausen, the US Supreme Court approved "released time" programs in which students were released from school for a period of time during the day to obtain religious instruction in a nearby church. eMedia Wire reports today that eleven Pennsylvania counties are taking advantage of an old released time law in the state that permits up to 35 hours per year of off-campus religious instruction. Some 3000 students participate in the program run by Joy El Ministries.