STUDENTS RELIGIOUS RIGHTS ON PUBLIC SCHOOL CAMPUS

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 "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

1.    Students have the right to meet togther for prayer, bible study, and worship.

2.    Students have the right to identify their religious beliefs through wearing clothing with religious messages and symbols.

3.    Students have the right to talk about and express their religious beliefs on the school campus.

4.    Students have the right to distribute and share religious tracts and literature on the school campus during non-instructional time.

5.    Students have the right to voluntarily pray on campus.  They may do so alone or with others if doing so does not disrupt school activities or is not forced upon others.

6.    Students have the right to carry a bible or other religious literature with them on the school campus. Students may read their Bible, etc. during non-instructional time.

7.    Students have the right to prepare school assignments, research papers, speeches, and projects from a religious perspective and/or with a religious theme.

8.    Students have the right to be exempt from activities and class content that contradict their religious beliefs. The school, however, may require that, during such activities, the student participate in alternate relevant activities.

9.    Students have the right to observe, celebrate or study religious holidays on campus.

10.   Students have the right to meet with and petition school officials.

11.   Students have the right to organize religious clubs.

12.   Students have the right to live according to their religious beliefs while on campus.

Remember, the above are general guidelines.  There may be exceptions and qualifications to the above rights.  Laws frequently change.  But don't take the school's or the school district's word for what your religious rights are.  Do your research or contact a Christian civil rights expert or attorney.

See related article:  Freedom of Speech and  Expression in Public Schools

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