Alabama urged to end `prohibition` of yoga in public schools |
Rajan Zed, an Indian American spiritual leader from Nevada, has urged Alabama to end its “prohibition” on yoga in public schools. Zed, president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, said the prohibition was “doing a disservice” to Alabama`s students and denying them the valuable opportunities to avail the multiple benefits yoga provides. Yoga, along with hypnosis, meditation and guided imagery exercises, have been prohibited in Alabama`s classrooms since 1993. School personnel shall be prohibited from using any techniques that involve the induction of hypnotic states, guided imagery, meditation or yoga, stated the Alabama State Board of Education`s Administrative Code, explaining yoga as a “Hindu philosophy and method of religious training in which eastern meditation and contemplation are joined with physical exercises, allegedly to facilitate the development of bodymindspirit. Zed has now urged Alabama Governor Kay Ellen Ivey, Alabama Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric G. Mackey and Alabama State Board of Education vice president Stephanie Bell to reconsider the issue and work towards formally introducing yoga as part of the curriculum in all the public schools of the state. Zed noted that “Yoga, although introduced and nourished by Hinduism, was a world heritage and liberation powerhouse to be utilized by all.”
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