Monday, March 18, 2019

Suit Challenging End of School Yoga Program Moves Ahead

AP reports that a Georgia federal district court judge refused Friday to dismiss an Establishment Clause suit against the Cobb County (GA) School District. The suit alleges the school district ended a yoga program and transferred an elementary school assistant principal in response to parents who objected to the yoga program as inconsistent with their Christian religious beliefs.  The suit brought by former Bullard Elementary School assistant principal Bonnie Cole will now move to trial.  AP reports in part:
During the 2014-2015 school year, Cole said she implemented breathing and stretching exercises based on yoga and meditation in classrooms as a way of reducing stress and encouraging relaxation....
According to the lawsuit, upset parents held a 2016 prayer rally for ‘‘Jesus to rid the school of Buddhism.’’
UPDATE: Here is the full text of the opinion and additional pleadings in Cole v. Cobb County School District (ND GA, March 19, 2019).