No religious belief or non-belief shall be promoted by the school district or within schools by its employees, and none shall be disparaged. Instead, the school district shall encourage all students and staff members to appreciate and be knowledgeable about each other's religious and cultural views. The school district shall utilize its opportunity to foster understanding and mutual respect among students and parents whether it involves race, culture, economic background or religious beliefs.
The Board recognizes that one of the school system's educational goals is to advance student knowledge and appreciation of the role that our religious heritage has played in the social, cultural and historical development of civilization.
There are basic guidelines that staff and schools are expected to follow in respect to religion in the schools:
- Staff and schools may not endorse religious activity or doctrine, nor coerce participation in religious activity.
- Staff and schools may not forbid students acting on their own from expressing their own religious beliefs provided these expressions do not intrude on the rights of others.
- Use instructional materials that promote or encourage non-religion, religion, religious viewpoints, religious groups or religious activities.
- Conduct assemblies and/or programs that promote or encourage religion or non-religion.
- Offer any form of religious instruction, worship, exercise or persuasion.
- Attack or promulgate religion, the absence of religion or any particular belief system.
- Question the religious belief or absence of religious belief of any student.
- Require a student to declare a religious preference.