Lawmaker concerned about yoga in schools - KASA

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Should yoga play a part in public school curriculum?

Whatever your opinion, yoga practices are making their way into public schools.

New Mexico Republican Rep. Alonzo Balonado is raising concerns, advising school districts to be careful because of yoga's historical connection to religion.

He raised these concerns at an education committee meeting in Santa Fe on Friday.

“First and foremost, we have to determine if it's an appropriate type of course work for a public education course,” Baldonado said.

He worries about pushback from parents who might not agree with yoga's connection to spirituality.

Parents of students attending an Albuquerque middle school raised concern a few months ago after learning students were taking time to focus on breathing and meditation exercises at the beginning of the year.

The quiet time program at McKinley Middle School sparked spirituality concerns among parents.

“I wanted to make sure that if there was a thread of spirituality, that whatever it was, it was in line with our beliefs,” said Holly Holloman, a parents of a McKinley Middle School student.

APS ended up stopping the quiet time program at McKinley.

When it comes to yoga, a district spokesperson says APS only allows yoga techniques – like stretching exercises – to be taught.

The district does not allow any yoga practice with ties to eastern religion.

Baldonado thinks school districts need to be as up front with parents as possible.

“I think we should be telling the parent in writing that we're doing this type of teaching to their student, giving them the opportunity to opt out if that's what their family chooses to do,” he said.

Concerns about yoga in public schools run nationwide.

Parents sued a California school district citing religious concerns, but a judge ruled against them, saying there is nothing religious about yoga's teaching of respect, proper breathing and posture.