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Union High School Principal Dennis Lottmann said Union Police school resource officers (SROs), and the Franklin County Narcotics Enforcement Unit (FCNEU) were on board to participate in the program until administrators learned of its ties to the Church of Scientology.
"Anytime something affiliated, sponsored or paid for by a church, it makes it a controversial issue," Lottmann said. "Unfortunately when it comes into the school district there is a captive audience."
He noted that the program could be beneficial to educate students about drug prevention, and it was initially well received by local law enforcement agencies.
"Everything I have seen about the program is good other than controversy created because of its affiliation," Lottmann added.
Frick contacted the FCNEU and SROs and a presentation for Lottmann, SRO Kevin Anderson and UHS administrator Chris Arand when school officials learned of the affiliation with the church.
"There are concerns with its origin, sponsorship and who promotes it," said Lottmann.
The first tier of the four-tier program specifically addresses drug education. However the next three tiers follow the teaching of the Church of Scientology. According to the Crime Free America Web site, the second tier addresses the "Way of Happiness," a teaching of the church. The second tier states: "Give society a way to find happiness outside of the fake drug substitute."
The third tier states that there are "30 human rights," which also is a teaching of the Church of Scientology, but also is a core belief of the United Nations. One of the rights addresses human trafficking, which is unrelated to public school drug education, officials said.
The fourth tier suggests that a "purification and education center" be established to rid the body of drug residue.
Lottmann added that Frick may amend some portions of the program so it is suitable for schools.
"She is trying to overcome barriers," he said.
