Administrative Regulation

AR 6141.2

Instruction

Recognition Of Religious Beliefs And Customs

Upon written request of the parent/guardian, a student shall be excused from any part of health, family life or sex education which conflicts with the religious training, beliefs, or personal moral convictions of the parent/guardian or student. (Education Code 51240)

(cf. 6142.1 - Family Life/Sex Education)

Alternate activities shall be provided for students who are so excused.

Staff shall make every effort to avoid scheduling examinations, school-sponsored trips, special laboratories, picture-taking days and class parties on established religious holidays.

Programs and Exhibits

When school programs and exhibits are in any way related to instruction about religion or religious holidays, the following guidelines shall be observed:

1. The principal or designee shall ensure that school-sponsored programs are not, or do not have the effect of being, religiously oriented or a religious celebration.

2. The principal or designee shall participate in planning the program or exhibit and shall be kept informed of its development.

3. Program or exhibit planners shall take into consideration the diverse religious faiths represented in the community, student body and staff.

4. Students and staff whose beliefs prohibit their participation in a program shall be excused without penalty, and an alternate activity shall be provided for any such students.

(cf. 0410 - Nondiscrimination in District Programs and Activities)

Regulation PALOS VERDES PENINSULA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

approved: May 24, 2001 Palo Verdes Estates, California