Disputerd Bible classes begin in Florida

Christian Century, March 4, 1998

A controversial Bible history class based on the Old Testament has been introduced in the public high schools in Lee County, Florida, following a ruling by a federal judge that the course could begin. The course was the target of a suit by church-state separationists. Wayne Perry, public information officer for the school district of Lee County, said 153 students at seven of the district's eight high schools are enrolled in the classes. The eighth school did not have enough students registered to offer it there.

The classes began after U.S. District judge Elizabeth Kovachevich decided January 20 to allow the first of two courses, which covers the Old Testament, to be taught. But the judge questioned whether the second course, which includes New Testament teachings on miracles and the resurrection, can be taught as secular history. She continued an injunction blocking the course.

Perry noted that the first course was created by a committee of district curriculum staff and community members, while the second course was developed by the National Council on Bible Curriculum in Public Schools, a private group based in North Carolina. "Our in-house staff is happy that their course work was not enjoined and has been given a green light," Perry said. "We've all along said it's educationally sound." As for the New Testament course, he added: "There are references to certain parts of Christ's life that are arguably religion versus history, and I think that's why the injunction stood in that case."

The school board, which is based in Fort Myers, is considering its options concerning the injunction on the New Testament course. They include appealing the decision, canceling the second course, reworking the course, and having the district create its own version of a New Testament course. "We're all kind of waiting on the board to decide what their legal strategy is," said Perry. The New Testament classes are not scheduled to begin until March.

Meanwhile, the Old Testament classes, which began January 22, are being videotaped to allow plaintiffs in an ongoing lawsuit to see how the instruction is handled. In December, People for the American Way, the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida and the Florida law firm of Steel Hector & Davis sued the school on behalf of parents and other county residents. The American Center for Law and justice, an organization founded by religious broadcaster Pat Robertson, is representing the school board.

"We are delighted that the court has cleared the way for the first phase of their Bible curriculum to be taught in Florida," commented Jay Sekulow, the ACLJ's chief counsel. "As we have said all along, we believe the entire Bible curriculum adopted by the Lee County School Board is constitutional, and we remain committed to defending the constitutionality of this curriculum."

At the same time, officials of People for the American Way said they were pleased that the judge blocked the New Testament course. "We would hope that the school district will take the judge up on her invitation and will work with us to develop a proper curriculum that passes constitutional muster, rather than requiring the continuation of costly, divisive and time-consuming litigation," said Elliot Mincberg, the human rights group's legal director.