Religious Expression and Activities at School by Amanda Little https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru en-us 2020-04-28 20:26:04 UTC 2020-05-01 21:02:09 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f64f.png Slide 1: Professional Perspective, Audience, and Topic alittle42 https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537555384 The topic of this presentation is the rights of students regarding religious expression and activities in school. It is presented by a school guidance counselor to the faculty and staff of the middle school associated with Paris ISD. This specific topic was chosen because students around this age begin to mold into leaders who start deciding what they believe in and stand for. There may be times at school, especially in rural areas such as Paris, that they feel led to express those beliefs or organize groups/activities related to their religious standpoints. ]]> 2020-04-28 20:52:54 UTC https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537555384 Slide 2: Summary of Topic alittle42 https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537556137 The topic of religious expression is vital during these days because our world has grown so much diversity in beliefs and churches. Schools have come a long way from beginning the day with prayer to living in fear of praying on campus. Students have also blossomed and choose to experience or live in ways that goes against many religious beliefs. 
 
One issue concerning religion and schools is whether or not the Holy Bible should be allowed in classrooms and furthermore, elective classes based on the Bible being offered. There is much controversy regarding this issue. For starters, if the class is an elective then no student is being forced. to learn or believe a certain way. Another point, is that science classes are able to teach evolutionary beliefs and it is not much different. (Simpson, 2008) 

Simpson, M. D. (2008, February 5). Bibles in the classroom? Retrieved April 28, 2020, from http://www.nea.org/tools/9376.htm#
]]> 2020-04-28 20:53:24 UTC https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537556137 Slide 3: Professional Association alittle42 https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537557248 In this article, an attorney defines and describes the rights that students have in expressing their religious beliefs while at school. Still, there are boundaries that must be cautiously crossed when the religious expression is broadcasted at school events that are open to the entire community. On the other hand, faculty and staff who represent the government in their role, are not permitted to engage or discourage religious activity.

May, C. M. (n.d.). Religion’s legal place in the schoolhouse. Retrieved April 28, 2020, from https://www.aasa.org/SchoolAdministratorArticle.aspx?id=7730#]]> 2020-04-28 20:54:08 UTC https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537557248 Slide 4: Current News alittle42 https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537558066 Survey: Many American teens accepting of religion in school

  • Many believe religious classes should be an optional choice of school curriculum.
  • U.S. Dept. of Ed. plans to track religious bullying to intervene
  • School staff feels like they lose their rights when they are unable to practice their religion on school grounds. 
  • Many believe that important life values as well as various religious classes should be offered.

Rosa, S. D. L. (2019, October 4). Survey: Many American teens accepting of religion in school. Retrieved April 27, 2020, from https://www.educationdive.com/news/survey-many-american-teens-accepting-of-religion-in-school/564352/?fbclid=IwAR2QvdJjpWUW7wXsjsVkwHBe_MuKFLZXmOLPrnT_wZoAfMI43zHtrMguM1s

]]> 2020-04-28 20:54:33 UTC https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537558066 Slide 5: Current News alittle42 https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537558244 In-school yoga controversial as some parents resist practice

  • Yoga is implemented in schools as a technique to increase mindfulness and self-regulation.
  • School districts have adopted yoga as a positive intervention to assist students in managing behavior and reducing stress. 
  • Yoga in school has become a controversial topic because some parents argue that it promotes beliefs that are non-religious. 

Rosa, S. D. L. (2019, October 18). In-school yoga controversial as some parents resist practice. Retrieved April 27, 2020, from https://www.educationdive.com/news/in-school-yoga-controversial-as-some-parents-resist-practice/565326/
]]> 2020-04-28 20:54:41 UTC https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537558244 Slide 6: Constitutional Law alittle42 https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537558630 Citation: U.S. Const. amend. I
Link: https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/first_amendment 
  • Freedom of religion
  • Right to freely express and exercise religion
  • Counselors and other education staff should be cautious of these constitutional rights before discouraging any students from practicing/expression their religion. 
  • Teachers should be informed to never judge student's work based on religious expression according to the first amendment. 

]]> 2020-04-28 20:54:56 UTC https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537558630 Slide 7: Judicial Law alittle42 https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537558819 Citation: Stone v. Graham, 449 U.S. 39 (1980)
Link: https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/449/39
  • Schools can teach about religion only if it is educational
  • Lessons may not promote specific religion
  • Teaching must be a relevant part of the history, literature, or science
  • This case provides vital information for all school staff to be aware of. 
  • Administration should understand guidelines and laws before making decisions on curriculum. 
  • Counselors and teachers must be knowledgeable about what is and is not allowed in their classroom/guidance lessons.
]]> 2020-04-28 20:55:03 UTC https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537558819 Slide 8: Statutory Law alittle42 https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537558979 Citation: Texas Education Code § 25.156, art. IV and V
Link: https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/education-code/educ-sect-25-156.html
Article IV:
  • Students may freely express religion in their school work
  • Student work cannot be rewarded, discriminated against, or penalized based on the religious viewpoint
  • Work must be graded according to basic academic standards
  • This part of the TEC is crucial for teachers to be aware of, especially when it comes to grading student's work to avoid any lawsuits and complaints. 
Article V: 
  • Students may freely gather together for religious reasons before, during, and after school
  • Schools must allow the freedom to use facilities for religious gatherings
  • Students are allowed to advertise religious events, gatherings, and organizations just as others do
  • These laws are pertinent for any and all educational staff to know especially if they are responsible for monitoring students throughout the day.
]]> 2020-04-28 20:55:09 UTC https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537558979 Slide 9: Administrative Law alittle42 https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537559174 Citation: US Department of Education, II and III, 2020
Link: https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/religionandschools/prayer_guidance.html
  • Freedom to pray and read religious material
  • May organize religious groups and activities
  • Free to express religion in work free of discrimination
  • Students can disseminate religious literature to peers
  • These laws set forth by the Dept. of Ed. are also vital for all school staff who ever monitor or come in contact with students to be aware of to ensure they do not prevent or discourage students from doing so.
]]> 2020-04-28 20:55:17 UTC https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537559174 Slide 10: Local Policy alittle42 https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537559800 According to Paris ISD, the district will work to accommodate employees who request to take off for a religious reason. Students who are absent for religious reasons are also excused (PISD, 2019-2020). There is a link, however, access would be denied because it requires an employee password.

 Paris Independent School District. (2019-2020). Paris ISD 2019-2020 Employee Handbook. Retrieved from https://s3.amazonaws.com/scschoolfiles/167/2019-20_employee_handbook.pdf]]> 2020-04-28 20:55:42 UTC https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537559800 Slide 11: Ethical Principle alittle42 https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537560215 The ACA Code of Ethics Section A.4.b. states that counselors much be cautious to not impose their own beliefs upon students. Likewise, counselors should respect the diversity of the student/client's view points and beliefs (ACA, 2014). This standard is vital to the topic of student's religious expression in school because it is likely that beliefs will not always be 100% aligned. Counselors much continue to be aware of their role as a consistent advocate and support system for every student regardless of their personal beliefs or values. 

The American School Counselor Association's ethical standard A.1. f states that counselors should  "respect students’ and families’ values, beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identification/expression and cultural background and exercise great care to avoid imposing personal beliefs or values rooted in one’s religion, culture or ethnicity" (ASCA, 2016).  This ethical standard is very to the point on the importance that school counselors remain an accepting, compassionate, and non-judgmental role in each student's life. In addition, educational professionals must never influence their own beliefs on students. 

Citations: 
]]> 2020-04-28 20:55:55 UTC https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537560215 Slide 12: Non-Law Source alittle42 https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537560593 Can students pray in public school? Can teachers say 'Merry Christmas'? What the law allows -- and forbids.

This article outlines a few answers to questions that routinely come up regarding religious expression in schools. The 1st amendment never completely forbid any type of religious expression in schools. Prayer is allowed, holiday greetings are permitted, and sacred music may be played under certain circumstances. Even religious instruction is allowed as long as it is neutral and does not promote certain beliefs.

Strauss, V. (2018, December 8). Can students pray in public school? Can teachers say 'Merry Christmas'? What the law allows -- and forbids. School Administrator. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2018/12/08/can-students-pray-public-schools-can-teachers-say-merry-christmas-what-law-allows-forbids/?fbclid=IwAR3PtgmByuBbdtHZGzYjkO4nbndFUffFIHy5hwb7kABL1cSDODugSFD-_2Y]]> 2020-04-28 20:56:11 UTC https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537560593 Slide 13: Recommendations and Best Practices alittle42 https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537561763
  • Always be aware of local, state, and national laws regarding your career. 
  • If you are unaware of what is legal, illegal, ethical, or unethical take the time to ask a professional or administrator.
  • Avoid promoting and/or persuading students towards personal religious beliefs. 
  • Do not discourage or forbid students to express or practice their religious beliefs when they do not interfere with learning. 
  • Although educators are not allowed to lead or organize prayer, you may not stop a student from praying to whomever they wish. 
  • When delivering religious instruction keep a neutral role and make sure the content is strictly for academic purposes. 
  • Do not judge or penalize student work based on religious beliefs, only from academic standards. 
  • Always be an advocate and consistent support system for each and every student regardless of their beliefs, values, opinions, or lifestyle.

    • ]]>     2020-04-28 20:56:52 UTC https://padlet.com/alittle42/yw21mdswsx6vkcru/wish/537561763