6141.22

Students

Religion and Religious Accommodation

The District is dedicated to the academic achievement of each of our students.  Part of an excellent educational experience is a learning environment where each person is respected and encouraged.  The School District should encourage all students and staff members to appreciate and be knowledgeable about each other s religious and cultural views.  The School District should utilize its opportunity to foster understanding and mutual respect among staff, students and families, acknowledging our rich diversity in terms of race, culture, sexual orientation, economic background, and religious beliefs.

It is the policy of the Board of Education that no religious belief or non-belief should be promoted by the School District or its employees, and none should be disparaged.

The District recognizes that one of its educational goals is to advance student knowledge and appreciation of the role that our religious heritage has played in the social, cultural, and historical development of civilization.

The District also recognizes that it is important to accommodate the desires of its students and staff members to exercise their religious beliefs in a manner that does not substantially disrupt the school and work environment or impinge upon the rights of others.  As such, the District will make reasonable accommodations for students and staff members who have particular religious needs.  Schools are not required to accommodate a religious request if granting such a request would place an undue burden on the school, or in the case of requests made by staff members, would fundamentally alter the job duties of the requesting staff member.

(cf. 0521.2   Religious Neutrality)

(cf. 6115.1   Religious Observances and Displays)

(cf. 6141.2   Separation of Church and State)

(cf. 6162.51   Student Surveys)

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).

U.S. Constitution, Amendment 1.

Tinker v. Des Moines School District, 393 U.S. 503 (1969).

Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971).

Equal Access Act, 20U.S.C. Secs. 4071-74.

Policy adopted:  June 3, 2008