603.08 - Teaching About Religion

The school district is required to keep the practice of religion out of the school curriculum.  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.  Preferential or derogatory treatment to a single religion shall not take place.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to ensure the study of religion in the schools in keeping with the following guidelines:

• the proposed activity must have a secular purpose;
• the primary object of the activity must not be one that advances or inhibits religion; and
• the activity must not foster excessive governmental entanglement with religion.

 

 

Legal Reference:  U.S. Const. Amend. I.
                                       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 (1991).

Cross Reference:  502    Student Rights and Responsibilities-
                                       603    Instructional Curriculum

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:  6-10-96