Code Number: 681
Religion in the Curriculum
The history of various religions and their relationship to the advancement of civilization is an essential element of comprehensive education. The literary and historical value of various religions as they relate to diverse disciplines and course objectives is also important to quality education. A quality educational program will recognize the role of various religions throughout history and promote equity for people of various beliefs in a pluralistic and democratic society.
At no time should anyone religion or adherence to religion over non-adherence be promoted or shown preference. Religion in the curriculum will be reviewed in conjunction with the District’s general curriculum policies.
Religion Recruitment on School Properties
District employees will not recruit students or any other individuals for a religious purpose on school properties or at school-sponsored activities.
No individual representing a church, synagogue, religious organization, or religious belief will be permitted to recruit or proselytize students during school hours on school grounds or at school-sponsored activities. Notwithstanding the above, students may exercise their free speech rights (in accordance with Board Policy 503.13) so long as they do not recruit, or attempt to convert, students when students are in the classroom or are attending a compulsory or school-sponsored activity.
Released Time for Religious Instruction
The school system will permit students to be released from school each week consistent with the law for the purpose of receiving religious instruction.
A written request must be signed by a parent or guardian before the student is released. Emancipated students must file a written request on their own behalf.
Teachers and Building Administrators are directed to remain neutral in this matter, neither encouraging nor discouraging student participation. Students on released time will not be permitted to recruit students upon their return to school.
Parents may be notified by bulletin or newsletter that permission slips for religious release time are available in each school office and will be issued upon request. After the school has received the appropriate permission slip, the student is expected to attend the released-time classes, unless the parent rescinds the permission or approves an absence. Students attending the released time program will be excused by the classroom teacher at the scheduled time approved by the Building Administrator.
Students may be released from class time to attend religious services. A written request from a parent or guardian for such attendance must be approved by the Building Administrator.
- First Adoption:
- 1995-02-14
- Revision Adoption:
- December 17, 1996/ February 27, 2001/ November 23, 2009/ November 25, 2013/ March 12, 2018
- Reviewed Dates:
- February 20, 2018
- 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