The board recognizes the key role religion has played in the history of the world and authorizes the study of religious history and traditions as part of the curriculum or school-sponsored activities. The board does not authorize the practice of religion as part of the curriculum or school-sponsored activities. Religion and religious conviction will be treated with fairness and respect.
The district is required by law to keep the practice of religion out of school curriculum. Preferential or derogatory treatment of a single religion will not take place.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent [or designee] to ensure the study of religion in school is in keeping with the following guidelines:
- The proposed activity must have a secular purpose.
- The primary objective of the activity must not be one that advances or inhibits religion.
- The activity must not foster excessive governmental entanglement with religion.
District personnel will not discriminate against any person based upon their religious beliefs. District personnel are encouraged to promote, among employees and students, tolerance of varied religious beliefs or non-belief. District personnel will not denigrate a student’s religious beliefs or non-belief. The policy against denigrating religious beliefs and non-belief will not be interpreted to prohibit academic discussion of religion. This policy has no intent to affect the religious beliefs or practices of district personnel outside of their work environment.
Adopted: 3/99
Reviewed: 7/11; 9/12; 9/13; 2/15; 4/18; 6/21
Revised: 7/08
Related Policy (Code #): 603.9-R; 603.10
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 279.8; 280.6
IASB Reference: 603.8; 603.8R1; 603.9; 603.9R1; 604.5; 606.2