603.8 - Teaching About Religion

The school district is required to keep the practice of religion out of the school curriculum. The board recognizes the key role religion has played in the history of the world and authorizes the study of religious history and traditions as part of the curriculum. Preferential or derogatory treatment of a single religion shall not take place.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure the study of religion in the schools in keeping with the following guidelines:

the proposed activity must have a secular purpose;
the primary objective of the activity must not be one that advances or inhibits religion; and
the activity must not foster excessive governmental entanglement with religion.

Legal Reference: U.S. Const. amend. I.
                                   Lee v. Weisman. 112 S.Ct. 2649 (1992).
                                   Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971).
                                   Graham v. Central Community School District of Decatur County, 608 F.Supp. 531 (S.D. Iowa 1985).
                                   Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.6 (1995).

Cross Reference: 603    Instructional Curriculum
                                   604.5 Religious-Based Exclusion from a School Program
                                   606.2 School Ceremonies and Observances

Approved   7/10/89
Reviewed 11/15/21
Revised 10/9/95

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 12/04/2023 - 09:15

603.8R1 - Teaching About Religion Regulation - Religious Holidays

The historical and contemporary significance of religious holidays may be included in the education program provided that the instruction is presented in an unbiased and objective manner. The selection of holidays to be studied shall take into account major celebrations of several world religions, not just those of a single religion. Holiday-related activities shall be educationally sound and sensitive to religious differences and shall be selected carefully to avoid the excessive or unproductive use of school time. Teachers shall be especially careful in planning activities that are to take place immediately preceding or on a religious holiday.

Music, art, literature and drama having religious themes (including traditional carols, seasonal songs and classical music) shall be permitted if presented in an objective manner without sectarian indoctrination. The emphasis on religious themes shall be only as extensive as necessary for a balanced and comprehensive study or presentation. Religious content included in student performances shall be selected on the basis of its independent educational merit and shall seek to give exposure to a variety of religious customs, beliefs and forms of expression. Holiday programs, parties or performances shall not become religious celebrations or be used as a forum for religious worship, such as the devotional reading of sacred writings or the recitations of prayers.

The use of religious symbols (e.g. a cross, menorah, crescent, Star of David, lotus blossom, nativity scene or other symbol that is part of a religious ceremony) shall be permitted as a teaching aid, but only when such symbols are used temporarily and objectively to give information about a heritage associated with a particular religion. The Christmas tree, Santa Claus, Easter eggs, Easter bunnies and Halloween decorations are secular, seasonal symbols and as such can be displayed in a seasonal context.

Expressions of belief or nonbelief initiated by individual students shall be permitted in composition, art forms, music, speech and debate. However, teachers may not require projects or activities which are indoctrinational or force students to contradict their personal religious beliefs or nonbeliefs.

Approved 10/9/95
Reviewed 11/15/21
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 12/04/2023 - 09:16