San Francisco Schools Ban Narconon Program

San Francisco Schools Ban Narconon Program
August 30, 2004

News Summary

Following an initial review of the Narconon Drug Prevention & Education Program school health officials in San Francisco, Calif., have decided to drop the anti-drug program because of its ties to the Church of Scientology, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Aug. 25.

City schools Superintendent Arlene Ackerman said the review raised concerns about the program's scientific accuracy. She said the review found that the teachings were not "100-percent accurate."

"We are going to withhold the opportunity for Narconon to be in our schools," Ackerman said.

Ackerman has requested an independent scientific appraisal of Narconon. Depending upon the outcome, Ackerman said she could reverse her decision.

California schools chief Jack O'Connell has also ordered his own review, which is due in October.