| Nettle Creek School Corporation |
| Bylaws & Policies |
2270 - RELIGION IN THE CURRICULUM
Recognition of Religious Beliefs and Customs
It is accepted that no religious belief or non-belief should be promoted by the School Corporation or its associates, and none should be disparaged. Instead, the School Corporation should encourage all students and staff members to appreciate and be tolerant of each other’s religious views. The School Corporation 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 Nettle Creek School Corporation recognizes that one (1) of its educational 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.
Observance of Religious Holidays
The practice of the Nettle Creek School Corporation shall be as follows:
| A. | The several holidays throughout the year which have a religious and secular basis may be observed in the public schools. | |
| B. | The Historical and contemporary values and the origin of religious holidays may be explained in an unbiased and objective manner without sectarian indoctrination. | |
| C. | Music, art, literature and drama having religious themes or basis are permitted as a part of the curriculum for school-sponsored activities and programs if presented in a prudent and objective manner and as a traditional part of the cultural and religious heritage of the particular holiday. | |
| D. | 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 a 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 temporary in nature. Among these holidays are included Christmas, Easter, Passover, Hanukkah, St.Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Thanksgiving and Halloween. | |
| E. | The School Corporation calendar should be prepared so as to minimize conflicts with religious holidays of all faiths. |
Religion in the Curriculum
Religious institutions and orientations are central to human experience, past and present. An education excluding such a significant aspect would be incomplete. It is essential that the teaching about - and not of - religion be conducted in a factual objective and unbiased manner.
U.S. Constitution, Amendment. 1