Policy 605.03
Religious Based Exclusion
Parents who wish to have their child excluded from a school program because of religious beliefs must inform the teacher and/or principal. The board authorizes the administration to allow the exclusion if it is not disruptive to the education program and it does not infringe on a compelling state or educational interest. Further, the exclusion must not interfere with other school district operations.
In notifying the teacher/principal, the parents shall abide by the following:
1. The notice shall be in writing;
2. The objection shall be based on religious beliefs;
3. The objection shall state which activities or studies violate their religious beliefs;
4. The objection shall state why these activities or studies violate their religious beliefs; and
5. The objection shall state a proposed alternate activity or study.
The principal shall have discretion to make this determination. The factors the principal shall consider when a student requests to be excluded from a program or activity because of religious beliefs include, but are not limited to, staff available to supervise a student who wishes to be excluded, space to house the student while the student is excluded, available principal-approved alternative course of study or activity while the student is excluded, number of students who wish to be excluded, whether allowing the exclusion places the school in a position of supporting a particular religion, and whether the program or activity is required for promotion to the next grade level or for graduation.
Students who are allowed to be excluded from a program or activity which violates their religious beliefs shall be required to do an alternate supervised activity or study.
Cross Reference:
604 Instructional Curriculum
604.05 Public Performances and Exhibits
607.03 School Ceremonies and Observances
Proposed: August 14, 2006