Decisions of the United States Supreme Court have made it clear that it is not the province of a public school to advance or inhibit religious beliefs or practices. Under the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution, this remains the inviolate province of the individual and the church of his/her choice. The rights of any minority, no matter how small, must be protected. No matter how well intended, either official or unofficial sponsorship of religiously-oriented activities by the school are offensive to some and tend to supplant activities which should be the exclusive province of individual religious groups, churches, private organizations, or the family.

Corporation staff members shall not use prayer, religious readings, or religious symbols as a devotional exercise or in act of worship or celebration. The Corporation shall not act as a disseminating agent for any person or outside agency for any religious or anti-religious document, book, or article. However, the Corporation may distribute any religious or anti-religious document, book, or article in the same or similar manner to which it distributes materials for other non-school sponsored groups. Distribution of such materials on Corporation property by any party shall be in accordance with Policy and Administrative Guidelines 7510 - Use of Corporation Facilities and 9700 - Relations with Special Interest Groups.

Observance of religious holidays through devotional exercises or acts of worship is also prohibited. Acknowledgement of, explanation of, and teaching about religious holidays of various religions is encouraged. Celebration activities involving nonreligious decorations and use of secular works are permitted, but it is the responsibility of all faculty members to ensure that such activities are strictly voluntary, do not place an atmosphere of social compulsion or ostracism on minority groups or individuals, and do not interfere with the regular school program.

The United States flag shall be displayed in each classroom of every school in the School Corporation.

The flags of the United States and of Indiana shall be raised above each school and/or at other appropriate places during all school sessions, weather permitting. The flags shall be raised before the opening of school and taken down at its close every day.

The Board shall provide a daily opportunity for students to voluntarily recite the Pledge of Allegiance in each classroom or on school grounds. A student is exempt from participation and may not be required to participate if the student chooses not to or the student’s parent chooses not to have the student to participate. The Superintendent shall develop administrative guidelines which ensure that any staff member who conducts this activity does it at an appropriate time, in an appropriate manner, and with due regard to the need to protect the rights and the privacy of a nonparticipating student.

In accordance with Indiana law, the Board shall establish the daily observance of a moment of silence in each classroom or on school grounds.

I.C. 1-1-11-2
I.C. 1-2-2-1
I.C. 1-2-3-6
I.C. 20-30-5-0.5, 20-5-4.5
20 U.S.C. 4071 et seq.

Revised 1/12/04
Revised 3/06