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Everett school board hears strong public opposition to LifeWise Christian Academy pullouts
Summary
During the Dec. 9 board meeting, dozens of residents, a student and faith leaders urged the board to limit in‑school pullouts for LifeWise Christian Academy, citing classroom disruption, separation‑of‑church‑and‑state concerns and community safety; a board member called LifeWise part of a national movement and warned of potential legal conflict.
At its Dec. 9 meeting, the Everett Public Schools Board of Directors heard sustained public comment opposing LifeWise Christian Academy's practice of pulling students from class during the school day.
Director Charles Atkins (speaking in a personal capacity) said the district received a letter from LifeWise and its attorneys and described the organization as part of "a movement" he characterized as aligned with Christian nationalist actors. "This is not a local organization — this is an out‑of‑state multimillion dollar organization," Atkins said, accusing LifeWise of promoting an "anti‑gay agenda" and insisting the board "stand up" and maintain a strong separation between church and state.
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