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131. Religion In The Schools

One of the school district's educational goals is to advance the students' knowledge and appreciation of the role that religious heritage has played in the social, cultural and historical development of civilization.

No religious belief or non-belief shall be promoted by the school district or its employes, and none should be disparaged. Instead, the school district shall encourage all students and staff members to appreciate and be tolerant of each other's religious views. The schools shall foster understanding and mutual respect among diverse students, parents, staff members, community members, and others whether the diversity involves race, culture, economic background or religious beliefs.

Religion in the Curriculum

Religious institutions and orientations are central to human experience, past and present. An education excluding such a significant aspect would be incomplete. It is essential that the teaching about, and not of, religion be conducted in a factually objective, balanced and respectful manner. The approach to religion shall be academic, not devotional. Therefore, the practice of the school district concerning religion in the curriculum shall be as follows:

1. The district shall support the inclusion of religious literature, history, music, drama, and arts in the curriculum of school activities, provided these are intrinsic to the learning experience in the various fields of study, represent selections from a variety of cultures, and are presented objectively.
2. The emphasis on religious themes shall be only as extensive as necessary for a balanced and comprehensive presentation. Such studies shall never foster any particular religious tenet or demean any religious belief or non-belief.
3. When students respond to questions or assignments in ways which reflect their beliefs or non-beliefs, they shall be accommodated unless there are clear issues of overriding concern that would prevent such accommodation. For example, students shall be free to express religious belief or non-belief in compositions, art forms, music, speech and debate.
4. In the spirit of tolerance, students and staff members shall be excused from participating in practices which are contrary to their religious beliefs unless there are clear issues of overriding concern that would prevent such excusal.

Holidays

The practice of the school district concerning celebration of holidays shall be as follows:

1. The several holidays throughout the year which have a religious and 12/14/2007
2. The historical and contemporary values and the origin of religious holidays may be explained in an unbiased and objective manner without sectarian indoctrination.
3. Music, art, literature and drama having religious themes or bases shall be permitted as part of the curriculum for school-sponsored activities and programs if presented in a prudent and objective manner as part of the academic instructional program, and as a traditional part of the cultural and religious heritage of the particular holiday, in conjunction with the norms of the community.
4. The use of religious symbols such as a cross, menorah, crescent, Star of David, creche, symbols of Native American religions or other symbols that are a part of a religious holiday shall be permitted as a teaching aid or resource, provided such symbols are displayed as an example of the cultural and religious heritage of the holiday and are temporary in nature. Among these holidays are Christmas, Easter, Passover, Hanukah, Rosh Hashanah, St. Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Thanksgiving and Halloween.