3030 -TEACHING ABOUT RELIGION
The study of the role of religion in the culture of humankind and in the history of the world should have a place in education. Such studies as part of the curriculum are not to be celebrations of religious teachings in a manner which is devotional or doctrinal. Devotional or doctrinal celebrations of religious activities are in violation of the United States Constitution, which mandates the separation of Church and State, and which prohibits the advancement of religion or of one religion over another.
People in our society hold a variety of religious beliefs. Instructional activities of the Durham Public Schools should promote respect for, mutual understanding of, and sensitivity to these beliefs. Thus, administrative procedure and school practices must reflect the philosophy that recognition of religion in the schools must be educational in nature and that the schools must be sensitive to all beliefs.
The following regulations apply to educational programs related to religion: 3030.1 Elective courses about religion such as world religion, history of religion in the United States, and religious literature are legally permissible and encouraged. When a knowledge of religion is intrinsic to classroom activity, teachers should find ways to teach directly and objectively its interrelation with other elements of human culture.
3030.2 Holidays which have a religious or secular basis may be recognized in the public schools. Historical and contemporary values, as well as the origin of religious holidays, may be discussed in an unbiased and objective manner without sectarian indoctrination.
3030.3 In teaching about great works of music, art, and drama, religious themes are permitted if presented in a prudent and objective manner, within the context of a broader cultural heritage, and without promoting a religious point of view.
3030.4 Religious symbols such as a cross, Menorah, crescent, Star of David, creche, or symbols of Native American religions, are permitted as teaching aids or resources if those symbols are used as examples of the cultural and religious heritage of a particular religion and if they are displayed only temporarily.
3030.5 When student-initiated responses to questions or assignments reflect students' religious beliefs or nonbeliefs, these responses shall be accepted. For example, students are free to express religious belief or nonbelief in written compositions, visual artwork, music, speech, or debate.
3030.6 Any student who objects on valid religious grounds to a classroom activity, school function, or classroom assignment may be excused from the activity or provided an alternative assignment. It is the school's responsibility to excuse the student in a way that will not humiliate or embarrass the student.
Legal Reference: G.S.155C-47; U.S. Constitution., Amendment I; Article I, Section 13, of the Constitution of North Carolina; Article IX, Section 1, of the Constitution of North Carolina
Adopted Effective: July 29, 1992
Revised Effective: July 1, 1999
