Bible in the Schools, an educational nonprofit in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has announced a $2 million gift to Hamilton County Schools. 

The gift is reimbursement for the 2021-22 countywide elective Bible course, which follows guidelines established by a 1980 federal court ruling that affirmed the constitutionality of teaching for-credit elective Bible classes in the county’s public middle and high schools. Celebrating its centennial this year, Bible in the Schools now reaches 29 public schools in the county and more than 4,700 students in grades 6-12. 

“The Hamilton County public school Bible program has been a daily dispenser of hope in this community and reflects the generosity of so many committed partners. Studying Bible courses in our public schools helps ground and awaken students to the rich cultural footprint that the Bible has had on history,” said Bible in the Schools president Cathy Scott. “We believe that a knowledge of the Bible is a key component to a well-rounded education that encourages students to not just be passive observers of society, but active contributors in a global world. Thank you to all who have donated generously to enrich Hamilton County Schools with a text that crosses all cultural, socioeconomic, and racial barriers while still enriching lives each day.” 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Fat Camera)