The Ohio Department of Education will no longer require schools to partner with religious organizations in seeking funding from Gov. John Kasich’s new $10 million student-mentorship program.

Department officials said yesterday that the definition of a “faith-based organization has been expanded” to include nonreligious groups.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, which argued that the requirement was unconstitutional, said the new definition was baffling and failed to resolve the issue.

“It’s clear that this was always intended to be a religious experience. This confusing language does not let them off the hook,” said Chris Link, executive director of ACLU Ohio.

Education Department spokesman John Charlton said the change was made in response to inquiries from the ACLU and grant applicants.

(Read more at the Dispatch)