2020 8360
Instruction
SUBJECT: RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION IN THE INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM
The Board acknowledges the importance of religion to the understanding of society and the richness of the human experience. The District will be guided by three concepts when making decisions about the appropriateness of activities for inclusion in the school program: the activity should have a secular purpose, the activity should neither advance nor inhibit religion, and the activity must not foster an excessive entanglement of government with religion.
Nurturing the development of knowledge and respect for the rights of all cultural and religious groups is a continuing goal of the District. Students, faculty, and administration are reminded of the pluralism of religious beliefs and are urged to be conscious of and respect the sensitivity of others.
Opportunities to learn about cultural and religious traditions should be provided within the framework of the curriculum. Information about religious and cultural holidays and traditions focusing on how and when they are celebrated, their origins, and their histories should be part of this instruction. This educational opportunity should be handled with great care, sensitivity, and respect for the feelings and beliefs of individuals.
An environment should be created and encouraged where students of various ethnic backgrounds feel comfortable in sharing comments about their religious and cultural traditions. No student should be singled out to share or participate in discussions solely on the basis of that student’s identification with the cultural or religious heritage being addressed. A student’s preference not to share or participate in these discussions should be honored and respected without penalty.
School Activities Related to Religious Holidays or Themes
School activities related to the teaching about religious holidays or themes must be consistent with, and representative of, the District’s curriculum.
In planning school activities related to the teaching about religious holidays or themes, special effort must be made to ensure that the activity is not devotional and that students of all faiths can join without feeling they are betraying their own beliefs. Similarly, age appropriate activities are encouraged within the framework of the curriculum. Teaching about religious and cultural holidays may include activities such as parties and special foods, if they reinforce educational goals.
Symbols in the Schools
The purpose of using religious symbols should be to teach about religious concepts and traditions, and to convey historical or cultural content, not to promote or celebrate religious concepts, events, or holidays.
Music in the Schools
The purpose of using religious music should be to teach musical concepts, to convey historical and cultural content, or to create aesthetic experiences in a setting which emphasizes artistic expression and educational value, not to promote or celebrate a religious faith.
Curriculum Areas in Conflict with Religious Beliefs
Students will be given the option to be excused from participating in those parts of an activity, program, or area of instruction involving a religious theme which conflicts with their own religious beliefs or that of their parents or guardians in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Alternatives may be provided that are of comparable instructional value.
The District will make this policy available in order to ensure community, faculty, student, and parental or guardian awareness.
- United States Constitution, First Amendment
- Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student
- Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015
- Equal Access Act, 20 USC §§ 4071-4074
- Education Law §§ 1609(9), 1609(10), 1709(1), 1709(3), 3204(5), and 3210
- 8 NYCRR §§ 16.2 and 109.2
NOTE: Refer also to Policies
- #7460 — Constitutionally Protected Prayer in the Public Schools
- #8330 — Objection to Instructional Materials and Controversial Issues
Adopted: 8/24/11
Revised: 9/22/20