Yoga teacher Jackie Bergeron works with students at Paul Ecke Central Elementary School last week in Encinitas. Students attend two 40-minute yoga classes each week. Eduardo Contreras • U-T
Hear ye! Hear ye! Big news out of California.
The ruling on the yoga trial in Encinitas has been announced. Judge John Meyer ruled that the yoga classes are not religious and can continue in the school district. It’s a win for yoga! And for kids.*
The lawsuit, filed by conservative parents concerned about the “inherent” religiousness of yoga classes offered in the Encinitas school district, and the consequent trial was the first of its kind, bringing the debate on yoga and religion to the San Diego Superior courtroom. The ruling essentially declares yoga OK for public school children and could set a precedent for future cases as yoga continues to grow and expand to kids big and small.
The yoga program is being funded by a $533,000 grant from the K.P. Jois Foundation and is based in Ashtanga (naturally). The non-profit is conducting a three-year study on the effects of yoga on school kids.
*note: an appeal is expected.
Video from ABC 10 News:
[Via U-T San Diego]
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Earlier…
- UPDATE: Ruling On Consequential Yoga Trial On Hold Until Monday
- Closing Arguments on Yoga vs Religion, Trial in Encinitas School District
- The Two Sides to the Mindboggling Encinitas Yoga Trial, Or When Yoga and Religion Meet in Court
- Yoga Trial Judge: ‘We’re getting so esoteric it’s almost meaningless’
Good ruling! Let’s get those kids moving and calm!
This is great. Yoga doesn’t have to be weird or religious, its exercise. I’ve gotten heat as a Christian for doing Yoga, but I’m not worshiping other gods, I’m lengthening my spine. duh.
https://www.logicnation.com/nationpage/350
Already shared this link with my students.
I think it is really up to the way the teacher handles the spiritual section of yoga & their use of things like chanting. But in general, yoga can be used to strengthen any connection to the divine, not a particular religion.