The controversy over Idaho's Nampa Classical Academy’s alleged use of religious texts has turned into a tug-a-war between the Idaho Attorney General's office and the Arizona based religious liberty group, The Alliance Defense Fund.
Nampa Classical Academy, a public charter school, landed in the spotlight on this topic when leaders announced plans of using the Bible as a primary source of teaching material, but without intent of teaching religion.
According to a source the charter school wishes to use the text as part of historical context in literary studies.
The Idaho Public Charter Schools Commission, the charter schools authorizer, says that the school cannot use the Bible as an instructional text. The Commission, ordered the charter school to turn over any data in regards to the use of religious texts. Nampa Classical Academy has not yet responded.
The Commission's order is being challenged by the Alliance Defense Fund, which states that a school does have the right to use religious texts as part of its curriculum, pointing out that the Idaho Department of Education promotes a teaching resource with a content description of “a passionate defense of Islam by a Muslim faithful.”
Since the Bible controversy the Commission has reportedly found other issues of noncompliance and initiated a series of actions which could be interpreted as intentions of closing the school down.
The Alliance Defense Fund sued the commission Sept. 1, 2009, on behalf of the school after the commission threatened to revoke its charter.
There will be no additional suits based on the commission’s current demands.
The Idaho Public Charter School Commission has not been reached for comment.
For more information:
Should schools be permitted to teach the Bible?
Bible as a textbook: Idaho charter school under fire
Education 101: What is a charter school?
Education 101: Are charter schools public schools?
Info 101: What is a charter school authorizer?
Info 101: Comprehensive national directory of charter schools
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Karin Piper is the author and speaker of Charter Schools: The Ultimate Handbook for Parents (Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing 2009), which boasts more than 30 chapters of must-know information and a complete school research guide for parents seeking charter schools.
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