6133
Policy
Instruction
Religion in the
Schools
It is accepted that no
religious belief or non-belief should be promoted by the school district or its
employees, and none should be disparaged. Instead, the school district should
encourage all students and staff members to appreciate and be tolerant of each
other's views. The school district should utilize its opportunity to foster understanding
and mutual respect among students and parents, whether it involves race,
culture, economic background or religious beliefs. In that spirit of tolerance,
students and staff members should be excused from participating in practices
which are contrary to their religious beliefs unless there are clear issues of
overriding concern that would prevent it.
The Ashland-Greenwood
Public Schools recognizes that one of its goals is to advance the students'
knowledge and appreciation of the role that our religious heritage has played
in the social, cultural and historical development of civilization. Religious
institutions and orientations are central to human experience, past and
present. The teaching about religion shall be conducted in a factual objective
and respectful manner.
Adopted: November 16,
1992
6133
Regulation
Instruction
Religion in the School
The practice of the
Ashland-Greenwood Public Schools shall be as follows:
1. The several holidays throughout the year
which have a religious and a secular basis may be observed or recognized in the
public schools.
2. The historical origins and contemporary practices
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 basis are permitted as a part of the curriculum and as a
part of school-sponsored activities and programs if presented in a prudent and
objective manner and as a traditional part of the cultural and religious
heritage or are intrinsic to the learning experience in the various fields of
study.
4. The use of religious symbols such as a cross,
menorah, crescent, Star of David, crèche, symbols of Native American religions
or other symbols that are a art of a religious tradition are permitted as a
teaching aid or resource provided such symbols are displayed as an example of
the cultural and religious heritage to the holiday and are temporary in nature.
5. Student-initiated expressions to questions or
assignments which reflect their beliefs or non-beliefs about a religious theme
shall be accommodated. For example,
students are free to express religious belief or non-belief in compositions,
art forms, music, speech and debate.
6. The school district or its employees acting
on behalf of the district shall not initiate or hold religious services or
prayers. This shall include the conducting
of prayer prior to, during or following banquets, programs, athletic events or
graduation exercises.
Adopted: November 16, 1992