Parents in Georgia are expressing their concerns over yoga being incorporated into the school curriculum. While we recognize the importance of alleviating the stresses children face at school, some parents at a Kennesaw elementary school are pushing back against yoga, claiming it contradicts their Christian beliefs.
The administration at Maple Ridge Elementary has found itself in the spotlight after parents raised alarms about the potential indoctrination of their children into “Eastern religion.” One concerned mother, Lisa Thompson, articulated the situation in an interview, stating, “While some students don’t even recite the pledge, they are being exposed to ideologies that we believe are inappropriate for a school environment.”
This uproar appears to have been fueled by social media discussions among anxious parents. In a now-deleted post, father David Johnson claimed, “We can no longer pray in schools or practice Christianity, yet they are permitting this mystical practice from the East, complete with crystals and chants, under the guise of relaxation techniques. This is alarming, and parents should be aware of what is being taught to their children without their consent.”
However, the reality is that students at Maple Ridge are simply engaging in basic breathing exercises and stretches designed to enhance focus and promote physical activity throughout the day. There is no element of hypnosis, witchcraft, or brainwashing involved—merely a few simple practices to help kids unwind. The most controversial practice? Saying “namaste,” a respectful greeting from Hindu culture that translates to “the light in me sees the light in you,” and occasionally placing hands on their heart to find their “center.”
In response to parental concerns, Principal Sarah Mitchell organized a meeting to address their fears. She also sent out an email clarifying the yoga practices used in the school, announced a ban on using the term “namaste,” and reassured parents that no mystical practices would be part of the curriculum. In her message, she stated, “While we have incorporated de-stressing techniques in several classrooms for years, we acknowledge that some recent mindfulness practices have raised concerns. Moving forward, students will not use the term ‘namaste’ nor will they place their hands at their heart center.”
Although yoga has its roots in Buddhist and Hindu traditions, the popularized form of yoga in the U.S. is largely secular. Schools aim to provide students with effective means to relax amid shortened recesses, numerous standardized tests, and a more rigorous academic environment than many of us experienced in our own schooling.
It’s unfortunate that a handful of anxious parents are transforming what should be a calming part of the school day into another stressful, rule-laden activity. Yoga isn’t harmful, nor is it a “mystical Eastern religion,” and the word “namaste” isn’t a word to be feared. There are many issues worthy of concern, but mindfulness practices in classrooms shouldn’t be one of them.
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In summary, while yoga and mindfulness practices in schools are intended to support student well-being, the reaction of some parents highlights ongoing tensions between differing beliefs and educational approaches. The debate continues as schools attempt to balance these concerns with the need for student relaxation and focus.