619 - Teaching About Religion
619 - Teaching About ReligionEDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Series 600
Policy Title: Teaching About Religion
Code No.: 619
Since the contribution of religions to civilization is one of the crucial keys to understanding human history and development, the study of religious history and traditions should be part of the school curriculum, and can play a vital role in enhancing an understanding among people of different religious backgrounds and beliefs. Such study should give neither preferential nor derogatory treatment to any single religion or to religion in general, and should not be introduced or utilized for devotional purposes. Furthermore, no religious belief or nonbelief should be promoted by the school district or its employees.
Criteria used to guide academic inquiry in the study of religion should seek the same objectivity and educational effectiveness expected in other areas of the curriculum. In addition, materials and activities should be sensitive to America's pluralistic society and should educate rather than indoctrinate. All instructional and other school-sponsored activities should meet the three-part test established by the Supreme Court to determine constitutionality; (1) the activity must have a secular purpose; (2) the activity's principal or primary effect must be one that neither advances nor inhibits religion; and (3) the activity must not foster an excessive governmental entanglement with religion.
Parents who wish to have their child excluded from a school program because of religious beliefs must inform the principal. The principal shall determine an alternative activity or study for the students. The superintendent and/or designee shall have the final authority to determine an alternative activity or study for the student.
Date of Approval/Review/Revision
July 2011
September 2017
October 2022
619R1 Teaching About Religion Regulation
619R1 Teaching About Religion RegulationEDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Series 600
Policy Title: Teaching About Religion Regulation
Code No.: 619 R1
The historical and contemporary significance of religious holidays may be included in the education program provided that the instruction is presented in an unbiased and objective manner. The selection of holidays to be studied shall take into account major celebrations of several world religions, not just those of a single religion. Holiday-related activities shall be educationally sound and sensitive to religious differences and shall be selected carefully to avoid the excessive or unproductive use of school time. Teachers shall be especially careful in planning activities that are to take place immediately preceding or on a religious holiday.
Music, art, literature and drama having religious themes (including traditional carols, seasonal songs and classical music) shall be permitted if presented in an objective manner without sectarian indoctrination. The emphasis on religious themes shall be only as extensive as necessary for a balanced and comprehensive study or presentation. Religious content included in student performances shall be selected on the basis of its independent educational merit and shall seek to give exposure to a variety of religious customs, beliefs and forms of expression. Holiday programs, parties or performances shall not become religious celebrations or be used as a forum for religious worship, such as the devotional reading of sacred writings or the recitations of prayers.
The use of religious symbols (e.g. a cross, menorah, crescent, Star of David, lotus blossom, nativity scene or other symbol that is part of a religious ceremony) shall be permitted as a teaching aid, but only when such symbols are used temporarily and objectively to give information about a heritage associated with a particular religion. The Christmas tree, Santa Claus, Easter eggs, Easter bunnies and Halloween decorations are secular, seasonal symbols and as such can be displayed in a seasonal context.
Expressions of belief or nonbelief initiated by individual students shall be permitted in composition, art forms, music, speech and debate. However, teachers may not require projects or activities which indoctrinate or force students to contradict their personal religious beliefs or non-beliefs.
Date of Approval/Review/Revision
July 2011
September 2017
October 2022