0521.2

Purposes-Goals-Objectives

Nondiscrimination

Commitment to Religious Neutrality (Prayer in the Schools)

Version #1: It is the policy of the Board of Education to not prevent, or otherwise deny participation in, constitutionally protected prayer in the district's schools, consistent with current guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, and applicable judicial decisions interpreting the religion clauses of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

This policy supercedes any other Board Policy that might be inconsistent with it.

(cf. 1140 - Distribution of Materials to and by Students)
(cf. 4118.21 - Academic Freedom)
(cf. 6115 - Religious Ceremonies)
(cf. 6115.1 - Religious Observances and Displays)
(cf. 6115.11 - Graduation Exercises - Prayer)
(cf. 6141.2 - Separation of Church and State)
(cf. 6141.21 - Religion in the Public Schools)
(cf. 6144 - Controversial Issues)
(cf. 6144.1 - Exemption from Instruction)
(cf. 6145 - Extra-Class Activities)
(cf. 6162.51 - Student Surveys)
(cf. 6145.3 - Distribution of Printed Matter, Freedom of School Press; Publications)
(cf. 9030.1 - Religious Guidelines)

Legal Reference:   Connecticut General Statutes

10-16a Silent meditation.

10-15c Discrimination in public schools prohibited.

Lee v. Weisman, 112 S. Ct. 2649 (1992).

Jones v. Clear Creek Independent School District, 977 F. 2d 963 (5th Cir. 1992).

Harris v. Joint School District, 41 F.3d 447 (9th Cir., 1994).

American Civil Liberties Union of NJ v. Black Horse Pike Regional Board of Education, 84 F.3d 1471 (3rd Cir., 1996).

20 U.S.C. 7904 (No Child Left Behind Act of 2001)

Policy adopted:   9-12-22