Advanced Placement

MJUSD
DIVISION 6000
INSTRUCTION

ADVANCED PLACEMENT

The Governing Board recognizes that a student's education would be incomplete without an understanding of the role of religion in history. It is both proper and important for teachers to objectively discuss the influences of various religions, using religious works and symbols to illustrate their relationship with society, literature or the arts. The Board expects that such instruction will identify principles common to all religions and foster respect for the multiple creeds practiced by the peoples of the world.

In order to respect each student's individual right to freedom of religious practice, religious indoctrination is clearly forbidden in the public schools. Instruction about religion must not favor, promote or demean the beliefs or customs of any particular religion or sect. Staff shall be highly sensitive to its obligation not to interfere with the religious development of any student in whatever tradition the student embraces.

Staff shall not endorse, encourage or solicit religious or anti-religious expression or activities among students. They shall not lead students in prayer or participate in student-initiated prayer. However, staff shall not prohibit or discourage any student from praying or otherwise expressing his/her religious belief as long as this does not disrupt the classroom.

Students may express their beliefs about religion in their homework, artwork and other written and oral reports if the expression is germane to the assignment. Such work shall be judged by ordinary academic standards, free of discrimination based on religious content.

Religious Holidays

Whereas teaching about religious holidays is a permissible part of the educational program, celebrating religious holidays is not allowed in the public schools. School-sponsored programs shall not be, nor have the effect of being, religiously oriented or a religious celebration.

School and classroom decorations may express seasonal themes that are not religious in nature.

Upon written request of the parent/guardian, a student shall be excused from any part of health, family life or sex education which conflicts with the religious training, beliefs, or personal moral convictions of the parent/guardian or student. (Education Code 51240)

Legal Reference:
Education Code
51240 Excuse from health instruction and family life and sex education due to religious belief
51511 Religious matters properly included in courses of study
United States Code, Title 20
6061 School prayer

First Reading: 10/13/04

Governing Board Adoption: 11/10/04

Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2024 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.