Encinitas Union School District in California sued over yoga education classes

11 March, 2013

Some time ago, Encinitas Union School District in California had launched an adapted Ashtanga yoga programme in the state-run schools. The parents had a divided opinion about the pragramme that had replaced the conventional physical education programme.

At the time of the launch of the programme, it was proclaimed by the Encinitas Union School District that it was the only public school system in the US that had yoga instructors to teach full-time at its nine schools as part of an overall wellness curriculum.

Now, to scrap the programme, a civil lawsuit has been filed against the Ashtanga yoga programme in public schools. The opposing parents and religious groups feel that it 'unlawfully' promotes the Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist religious beliefs, reported Deccan Herald.

“The Encinitas Union School District serves the City of Encinitas and the La Costa area of Carlsbad in North San Diego County. Approximately 5,600 students in Kindergarten through 6th grade are enrolled in the District's nine schools,” informs the school district's website.

“The District serves a diverse and varied community. The student population is approximately 15% Hispanic, 3% Asian, 80% Caucasian, and 3% other minorities," adds the website.

Encinitas yoga classes have been opposed by many parents and drawn religious protests from Christians who felt that yoga course in public schools was a violation of the religious freedom rights of citizens.

However, Hindus in the US have been commending the introducing yoga in select schools in the country and have urged all schools to do the same for their pupils. Nevada-based Hindu statesman Rajan Zed views introduction of Yoga in US schools a 'step in the right direction’ and has been suggesting that all elementary-middle-high schools of the nation should incorporate yoga in the lives of the students, making it part of the curriculum.