SAN DIEGO From the classroom to the courtroom, teaching yoga in public schools has come under fire in Encinitas and now a judge must decide whether or not yoga is a religion. The lawsuit was filed by the National Center for Law and Policy on behalf of Stephen and Jennifer Sedlock, whose children attend one of the districts nine schools. They contend that Ashtanga yoga is religious in nature, and that opting out costs students physical education time. Controversy over the program erupted last year as the district began to develop a health and wellness curriculum that includes

This is very intentional marketing, said expert witness Dr. Candy Brown, we lead with physical then introduce the spiritual aspect. I can give you quotations where people admit to this.

Calling it camouflage and conspiracy, Dr. Brown describes the practice of yoga. Shes testifying in a case brought against the Encinitas School District by a small group of parents who want to stop the districts new program that offers Ashtanga yoga in place of P.E.

If you asked me whats the most religious form of yoga, I would pick Ashtanga as my number one. Offered Dr. Brown without answering the question asked, which was are all forms of yoga religious? Judge Meyer reminded her she could answer with a yes or no answer, to which she replied after some time, I will say no to that question as phrased.

Presiding Judge John Meyer has the tough task of deciding if a reasonable observer would find the schools curriculum religious. The testimony at times so esoteric the judge interjecting to ponder the meaning.

I dont know what spiritual means in the context of our question?

The issues stems from a gift of $500 thousand dollars to the Encinitas School District by the KP Jois Foundations to fund the health and wellness program.

The foundations stated mission is to spread the teachings of Ashtanga Yoga, which originated with Hinduism. The course curriculum however does not talk about religion and only uses yoga postures and deep breathing. But Dr. Brown testified she believes theres a conspiracy at work trick students into a spiritual practice. Judge Meyer asked for clarification, these Jois trained instructors are just the foot soldier ? Replied Dr. Brown, Its para para submitting to one.. The judge finally cutting her off said, you think they have been planted in the district? Dr. Brown, well, I think that is the case, yeah.

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Expert witness testifies teaching yoga is a conspiracy