| Purpose
It is the intent of the school district to implement a policy that
acknowledges holidays and reflects the community’s rich religious
heritage consistent with the guidelines of the Constitution. The district
also recognizes that the schools are a reflection of the community
it serves. Traditions are a cherished part of community life, and
the district has an interest in maintaining traditions which have
significance to the community.
It is important for the school district to be alert to the distinction
between teaching about religious holidays, which is permissible, and
celebrating religious holidays, which is not. Recognition about holidays
may focus on how and when they are celebrated, their origins, histories
and the meanings behind them. A teacher’s approach towards teaching
the subject should be objective.
The United States Supreme Court has ruled that school districts may
not endorse, prefer, favor, promote or advance any religious beliefs.
Therefore, the school district may teach about religious practices;
however, it cannot sponsor religious practices. In addition, the school
district may clearly recognize the cultural aspects of religious holidays
but it may not celebrate them as a religious practice.
Guidelines
To help clarify the distinction between teaching religion
and celebrating religion:
- The school’s approach to religion is educational.
- The school may strive for student awareness of religions and must
avoid pressing the student to accept any one religion, all religions
or no religion.
- The school may sponsor study about religions and associated practices
and shall not sponsor the practice of religion.
- The school may expose students to a variety of religions or views
and shall not impose any particular view.
- The school may educate about religions and shall not denigrate
or promote any faith.
- The school may inform the student about various beliefs and shall
not seek to conform him/her to any particular belief.
Teaching About Religion and Religious Freedoms
Factual and objective teaching should be based on educational
goals.
Cultural programs that focus on the role played by religion in history
are generally acceptable and desirable.
Programs that educate students about the principle of religious liberty
as one of the central elements of freedom and democracy in America
should be encouraged.
Defining Terms: Acknowledgment and Celebration of Holidays
- Acknowledgment - to recognize the existence of the holiday and
pay respectful attention to the holiday as a custom.
- Celebration - school sponsored prayer, worship, glorification
or ritual related to a holiday.
Religious holidays may be acknowledged in the schools but not celebrated.
Holiday Symbols
- Displays
Symbols that are a part of a religious holiday are permitted as
teaching aids (such as but not limited to a cross, menorah, crescent,
crèche, angels, decorated Christmas tree, Star of David,
symbols of Native American religions, and other symbols that are
part of a religious holiday). Displays should promote the understanding
of religious and cultural diversity. The display should be educational,
short-term in nature (approximately one month), and not celebratory.
There needs to be an appropriate balance of symbols to be displayed
in a display case or on a bulletin board in a location designated
by the building principal. An age-appropriate written explanation
of the significance of the holiday should accompany the symbols.
Subject to the previous paragraph, teachers may use religious symbols
in the classroom for instructional purposes, but they may not be
displayed.
- Decorations
Secular symbols may be displayed in the classroom and/or hallways
for the holidays provided the decorations are prudent.
Art work, essays or reports depicting religious symbols created by
students shall neither be restricted nor discouraged from display
in classrooms, doors or hallways.
Music, Art, Literature and Drama
Music, art, literature, and drama having religious contents
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 particular holiday. If a program of music education for
young people is to be stimulating, meaningful and successful, it must
include a broad variety of music of significant quality.
The teacher is permitted to offer sacred and secular music in the
classroom and in programs for public concerts representing diverse
cultures; however, the selection of music must be based on its musical
merit and on its ability to develop musical understanding, growth
and appreciation in young people. A piece of music should not be excluded
simply because of its ethnic or religious origin.
School Attendance on Religious Holidays
A student’s absence from school on a holiday that is
related to his/her religion must be recognized as an excused absence.
Should a student be deemed eligible for an attendance-related award
or privilege, special consideration will be exercised by the building
administration with respect to the student’s absences from school
that occur as a result of religious holidays. It is the intent of
the district to demonstrate flexibility as it pertains to student
attendance and religious holidays so unique recognition or special
opportunities are not immediately impacted.
School Calendar
The district’s calendar should be prepared to reduce
conflicts with major religious holidays of all faiths as much as possible.
Approval Process for Displays and Decorations
Holiday decorations and educational displays which involve
religious symbols must receive prior approval by the building principal
before exhibiting.
In the event there is a question or disagreement with respect to
the content of decorations or exhibits, an appeal may be made to the
Superintendent or designee for review of the matter.
Religious Institutions, their Representatives, and their
Schools
Religious representatives may be invited into the schools
as a resource when teaching about religion or religious holidays. |