CODE: 6141.2
SECTION: INSTRUCTION
RECOGNITION OF RELIGIOUS BELIEFS AND CUSTOMS
The Board directs that no religious belief or non-belief shall be promoted in the regular curriculum or in district-sponsored courses, programs or activities, and none shall be disparaged.
However, the board recognizes that a genuine and broad secular program of education is furthered by advancement of pupils' knowledge of our society's cultural and religious heritage. Therefore, the several holidays throughout the year which have both a religious and a secular basis may be recognized in the school by use of material having secular or cultural significance.
The instructional program of the school should inform pupils of the many beliefs and customs stemming from religious, racial, ethnic and cultural heritages. Such instruction should be designed to broaden the pupils' understanding of and tolerance for the multiple ways of life enjoyed by the peoples of the world.
Songs and customs which have come to us from the various ethnic, religious and racial elements of our population should be used to broaden our pupils' awareness of the contributions which each segment has made to the composite American culture.
Music, art, literature and drama having religious themes or bases 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 of the particular holiday.
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 part of a religious holiday is 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 only utilized temporarily.
Any instruction in the school which is contrary to a pupil's religious beliefs and teachings shall be viewed as optional for the pupil.
First Reading: December 12, 2000
Adopted: December 19, 2000