Instruction

6141.2-BP

RECOGNITION OF RELIGIOUS BELIEFS AND CUSTOMS

The Board of Education of the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District believes that the significance of religion in history, culture, and the arts should have a place in education. A distinction is made, however, between such studies as part of the curriculum and the celebration of religious holidays or customs in a manner which is devotional and/or doctrinal. The distinction rests on whether the purpose or effect of such practices is the advancement of religion.

The instructional program of the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District should provide information to students concerning the varied beliefs and customs derived from their religious, social, ethnic, and cultural heritages. Such instruction should be designed to increase students' understanding of and respect for the varied beliefs and customs of people throughout the world.

Legal Reference:	Education Code	Section 51511
	"Nothing in this code shall be construed to prevent, or exclude from the public schools, references to religion or references to the use of religious literature, art, or music or other things having a religious significance when such references or uses do not constitute instruction in religious principles or aid to any religious sect, church, creed, or sectarian purpose and when such references or uses are incidental to or illustrative of matters properly included in the course of study."

Policy adopted:

4/10/78