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EMI Miscellaneous Instructional Policies: Religion in the Schools

SECULAR PROGRAM

The School may instruct students in the study of comparative religion or the history of religion and its relationship to the advancement of civilization. The study of the Bible or of religion for its literary and historic qualities, when presented objectively as part of a secular program of education, is consistent with the First Amendment.  School Dist. of Abington v. Schempp, 374 U.S. 203, 83 S. Ct. 1560 (1963).

ACADEMIC FREEDOM

The School shall not require teaching and learning to be tailored to the principles or prohibitions of any religious sect or dogma.  The School shall not adopt programs or practices that aid or oppose any religion.  Epperson v. Arkansas, 393 U.S. 97, 89 S. Ct. 266 (1968) (holding unconstitutional a prohibition against teaching evolution); Edwards v. Aguillard, 482 U.S. 578 (1987) (holding unconstitutional a requirement that creationism be taught with evolution)

RELIGIOUS EXERCISES

The School shall not prescribe a religious exercise as part of the curricular activities of students even if the religious exercise is denominationally neutral or its observance on the part of the students is voluntary.  School Dist. of Abington v. Schempp, 374 U.S. 203 (1963) (holding unconstitutional a requirement of daily Bible readings and recitation of the Lord’s Prayer); Engel v. Vitale, 370 U.S. 421 (1962) (holding unconstitutional required recitation of state-adopted prayer)

ELECTIVE COURSES

In accordance with Education Code 28.011 and 19 TAC 74.36, the School may offer to students in grade 9 or above, and grant elective credit for:

  1. An elective course on the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and its impact and an elective course on the New Testament and its impact; or
  2. An elective course that combines the courses described above.

If, for a particular semester, fewer than 15 students register to enroll in a course required by this section, the School is not required to offer he course for that semester.

A board may offer an elective course based on the books of a religion other than Christianity.  In determining whether to offer such a course, the board may consider various factors, including student and parent demand for such a course and the impact such books have had on history and culture.

The School may offer a course, other than the course authorized by Education Code 28.011, in the academic study of the Hebrew Scriptures, the New Testament, or both for local credit or for state elective credit towards high school graduation.

Education Code 28.011; 10 TAC 74.36; Att’y Gen. Op. GA-657 (2008)

Adopted:       3/7/80
Amended:      1/14/83, 5/30/86, 11/30/90, 1/26/96, 3/26/04, 9/20/13
Reviewed: