8800A - RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES/CEREMONIES
A great deal of professional judgment is needed to ensure that Corporation policy complies with constitutional and legal safeguards for the practice of religion. A major guideline to follow is a four-part test. Each activity which may appear to be of a religious nature or use materials, rituals, or symbols which may be otherwise associated with a religion must meet all four (4) of the following conditions:
Does it serve the educational purpose and goals of the Corporation?
Is the purpose of the activity secular?
Will its effect neither advance nor inhibit a religion?
Will it avoid excessive entanglements between the school and a religion?
This guideline applies to any and all activities and programs at all levels, particularly those that take place at traditional holiday seasons such as Christmas and Easter.
Baccalaureate may not be sponsored by the School Corporation.
Prior to planning or conducting an activity, it would be well to review the Corporation's two (2) policies dealing with religious matters -- Policy 2270 and Policy 8800. If a teacher has any question about the propriety of the activity, s/he should consult with the principal prior to making a decision.
Display of National Motto
In displaying a durable poster or a framed picture of the national motto and flags of the United States and the State of Indiana, the durable poster or framed picture must be at least eleven (11) inches in height and seventeen (17) inches in width. The national motto must be at least four (4) inches in height and fifteen (15) inches in width and include print large enough to fill the dimensions. As well, the representation of the flags must comply with any applicable Federal or State laws concerning design, dimensions, or presentation of the respective flags.
Revised 10/11/05
© Neola 2020