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EASTON AREA
SCHOOL DISTRICT
No. 136
SECTION:
PROGRAMS
TITLE:
RELIGION IN THE SCHOOLS
ADOPTED:
May 17, 2007
REVISED:
136. RELIGION IN THE SCHOOLS
1.
Purpose
The district is charged with the obligation of maintaining benevolent neutrality in the
matter of religion.
The requirement of benevolence suggests that the climate of our thinking and actions
recognizes and, specifically, is not hostile to the unique place and meaning of
religion in national life as well as its place in private life.
The requirement of neutrality suggests an on-going search for sensitivity,
understanding, appreciation, and factual information about cultural and religious
diversity. It also mandates that the schools of the district refrain from advocacy of a
particular religious position.
It is accepted that no religious belief or non-belief should be promoted by the district
or its employees, and none should be disparaged. Instead, the district should
encourage all students and staff members to appreciate and be tolerant of each
other's religious views. The district should utilize its opportunity to foster
understanding and mutual respect among students and parents/guardians, whether it
involves race, cultural, economic background or religious beliefs.
The Board recognizes that one of its educational goals is to advance the student's
knowledge and appreciation of the role that our religious heritage has played in the
social, cultural and historical development of civilization.
2.
Guidelines
Observance Of Religious Holidays
The students, faculty, and administration shall be reminded of the pluralism of
religious beliefs. Specifically, that which is important and meaningful to some may
be offensive to others. Each person shall be reminded to be conscious of and respect
the sensitivities of others.
Factual and objective teaching about religion may occur in the district. Religious
indoctrination is never appropriate in the public schools and is not supported by the
Board. Teachers may explain the meaning of religious holidays but may not
136. RELIGION IN THE SCHOOLS - Pg. 2
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recognize such holidays with religious observances in the classroom or in any
mandated teaching situation. Inclusion of sacred writings, music, and arts in the
educational program shall be based on their having independent educational merits.
The historical and contemporary values and the origin of religious holidays may be
explained in an unbiased and objective manner without sectarian indoctrination.
Music, art, literature, and drama having a religious theme or basis shall be permitted
as part of the curriculum for school-sponsored activities and programs, if presented
in a prudent and objective manner and as a traditional part of the cultural and
religious heritage of the particular holiday.
The use of religious symbols such as a cross, menorah, crescent, Star of David,
crèche, symbols of native American religions and other symbols that are part of a
religious holiday shall be permitted as a teaching aid or resource, provided such
symbols are displayed as an example of the cultural and religious heritage of the
holiday and are temporary in nature. Among these holidays shall be included
Christmas, Easter, Passover, Hanukah, Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, St. Valentine's
Day, St. Patrick's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Halloween.
Religion In The Curriculum
Religious institutions and orientations are central to human experience, past and
present. An education excluding such a significant aspect would be incomplete. It is
essential that the teaching about and not of, religion be conducted in a factual,
objective, and respectful manner. Therefore, the practice of the district shall be as
follows:
1.
The district shall support the inclusion of religious literature, music, drama, and
the arts in the curriculum and in school activities, provided it is intrinsic to the
learning experience in the various approved fields of study and is presented
objectively.
2.
The emphasis on religious themes in the arts, literature, and history should only
be as extensive as necessary for a balanced and comprehensive study of the
areas. Such studies should never foster any particular religious tenets or demean
any religious beliefs.