BP 6141.2
Instruction
Recognition of Religious
Beliefs and Customs
The Governing Board
recognizes that students' education would be incomplete without an
understanding of the role of religion in society. As appropriate for a particular course,
teachers may objectively discuss the influences of various religions, using
religious works and symbols to illustrate their relationship with culture,
literature or the arts. The Board
expects that such instruction will identify principles common to all religions
and foster respect for the diversity of religions and customs in the world.
In order to respect each
student's individual right to freedom of religious practice, religious
indoctrination is clearly forbidden in the public schools. Instruction about religion shall not promote
or denigrate the beliefs or customs of any particular religion or sect, nor
should a preference be shown for one religious viewpoint over another. Staff members shall be highly sensitive to
their obligation not to interfere with the religious development of any student
in whatever tradition the student embraces.
Staff shall not endorse,
encourage or solicit religious or anti-religious expression or activities among
students during class time. As part of
their official duties, staff shall not lead students in prayer or other
religious activities. However, staff
shall not prohibit or discourage any student from praying or otherwise expressing
his/her religious belief as long as this does not disrupt the classroom.
Students may express their
beliefs about religion in their homework, artwork and other class work if the
expression is germane to the assignment.
Such work shall be judged by ordinary academic standards.
While teaching about
religious holidays is a permissible part of the educational program,
celebrating religious holidays is not allowed in the public schools. School-sponsored programs shall not be, nor
have the effect of being, religiously oriented or a religious celebration. School and classroom decorations may express
seasonal themes that are not religious in nature.
Music, art, literature or
drama programs having religious themes are permitted as part of the curriculum
for school-sponsored activities and programs if presented in an objective
manner and as a traditional part of the cultural and religious heritage. The use of religious symbols that are part of
a religious holiday is permitted as a teaching aid or resource provided that
such symbols are displayed as an example of cultural and religious heritage of
the holiday and are temporary in nature.
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
38130-38138
Civic Center Act
46014 Absences
for religious purposes
51511 Religious
matters properly included in courses of study
51938 Right
of parent/guardian to excuse from sexual health instruction
UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 20
4071-4074 Equal Access Act
6061 School
prayer
7904 School
prayer
COURT DECISIONS
Lassonde v.
Cole v.
Lemon v. Kurtzman, (1971) 403
Adopted: 6/14/06
Revised: