The public schools, as agencies of civil government, must be neutral with respect to the claims of the many religions and philosophies to the devotion and faith of their followers. At the same time the public schools are charged, along with the civil government itself, with the responsibility to provide an environment in which practices and values rooted in the homes, churches or synagogues of the community can be enriched. Thus the public schools should support not promote religion. It is in response to this double duty that this policy is formulated.

We serve a multi-cultural community that comes together in the public schools, thus we have a community responsibility. It is contradictory to promote good will on one hand and to be insensitive to others' beliefs on the other. A public school, whatever the feelings of its constituents, may not observe a religious holiday as though the school were a church or synagogue. At the same time proven educational principles of readiness and interest call for us not to ignore holiday seasons. In addition, we must be highly sensitive to our obligation to support and protect the religious development of every child in our care, whatever religious tradition his or her family embraces.

Neutrality does not mean silence. The proper role of the public school is to teach mutual understanding and respect for religious differences. Therefore, the school setting can enhance, not subvert, the understanding of religious beliefs. The improper use of religion in a public school setting can lead to acculturation, thus diminishing the role of home, church, or synagogue.

Teaching in the public schools can and should recognize that holidays are observed differently by different religious groups. Teaching should also respect that some individuals' beliefs do not include religious observances. Such teaching may foster understanding, appreciation, and respect for diverse traditions and heritages. Such teaching should be factual, not devotional, and should avoid any attempt at religious persuasion.

Because public schools must show no preference for one religion over another, religious celebrations should not be a part of public school education. For the purposes of this policy, a "religious celebration" is:

While religious celebrations in school are inappropriate, there are long standing and sound classroom practices which are appropriate for their artistic, historical, social, and educational nature. Specifically:

Joint religious observances, such as Christmas/Chanukkah, are a breach of the principle of separation of church and state. Such observances may place the holidays in competition and distort the purpose of the event. The answer to one (1) violation is not another.

A program, observance, or classroom activity related to a religious holiday in theme or timing must be evaluated as to its purposes and effect. If either the purpose or effect is judged to be religious rather than neutral, the activity would violate the First Amendment and this policy and would not be acceptable.

The Board shall not conduct or sanction a baccalaureate service in conjunction with graduation ceremonies.

The Board shall not include religious invocations, benedictions, or formal prayer at any school-sponsored event.

District staff members shall not use prayer, religious readings, or religious symbols as a devotional exercise or in an act of worship or celebration. The District shall not act as a disseminating agent for any person or outside agency for any religious or anti-religious document, book, or article. Distribution of such materials on District property by any party shall be in accordance with Policy and Administrative Guidelines 7510 - Use of District Facilities and 9700 - Relations with Special Interest Groups.

The Board acknowledges that it is prohibited from adopting any policy or rule respecting or promoting an establishment of religion or prohibiting any student from the free, individual, and voluntary exercise or expression of the student’s religious beliefs. However, such exercise or expression shall not interfere with the instructional program. Such exercise or expression, if otherwise permissible, which interferes with the instructional program may take place during noninstructional time periods when students are free to associate.

The Board shall not conduct or sanction a baccalaureate service in conjunction with graduation ceremonies.

The Board shall not include religious invocations, benedictions, or formal prayer at any school-sponsored event.

At the discretion of the Superintendent, a moment of silence may be provided each school day for prayer, reflection, or meditation upon a moral, philosophical, or patriotic theme. However, under no circumstances shall students be compelled to participate.

The flag of the United States shall be raised above each school and/or at other appropriate places during all school sessions, weather permitting.

Furthermore, the Board requires that an observance be scheduled each year on or about Veterans Day to convey the meaning and significance of that day to all students and staff. The amount of time each school devotes to this observance shall be at least one (1) hour or, in schools that schedule class periods of less than one (1) hour, at least one (1) standard class period. The Board shall determine the specific activities to constitute observance in each school in the District after consulting with the school’s administrators.

Professional staff members are authorized to lead students in the Pledge of Allegiance at an appropriate time each school day. However, no student shall be compelled/required to participate in the recitation of the Pledge. Additionally, the Board prohibits the intimidation of any student by other students or staff for the purposes of coercing participation. 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.

R.C. 3313.601, 3313.602, 3313.76, 3313.77
20 U.S.C. 4071 et seq.
Gregoire vs. Centennial School District 907 F.2d 1366, (3rd Circuit, 1990)
Lee vs. Weisman, 505 U.S. 577 (1992)

Revised 3/26/01
Revised 3/24/03