Yoga is not a part of a school's curriculum. When this school started teaching yoga, and had the kids using the word "namaste," and doing the actions associated with it, parents became enraged. The school was quick in issuing an apology.
Bullard Elementary School in Kennesaw, Georgia wanted their students to undergo a few de-stressing techniques. Although their intention was quite good, simply thinking of the welfare of students who are deemed as living in a stressful environment, the method by which the students were de-stressed was unacceptable for many parents.
According to She Knows, Kennesaw parents were truly upset with their kids having learned and act out "namaste." In addition, the use of "dark things" such as the mandala coloring sheets also irked them. Parents felt that by allowing kids to engage in yoga, they are being indoctrinated into a "Far East mystical religion."
When the parents' sentiments reached the school, it was also quick to issue an apology, as per USA Today. The principal said in a note, "I am truly sorry that the mindfulness/de-stressing practices here at Bullard caused many misconceptions that in turn created a distraction in our community."
Some parents vent out their anger and frustrations in Facebook. They said that yoga has a religious overtone, which must not be advocated by the school. One commenter said, "No prayer in schools. Some don't even say the pledge, yet they're pushing ideology on our students." The general sentiment was that they don't want their children to engage in religious practices in schools.
One teacher explained that Namaste is "the light in me sees the light in you." She said that it is a greeting in India and must be viewed like a "hello."
Despite the explanation, parents stood their ground in having the school cease teaching yoga in classrooms. For them, "namaste" is one word that their children must not learn.
