Religious Expression Put Before Board

July 3, 2009

Author: Gordon Dritschilo

Source: Rutland Herald

http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20090703/NEWS01/907030362/1002/NEWS01

The School Board will vote next month on a policy on religious expression in school.

The policy, which will be distributed to the public in the August town newsletter, says that religious references as part of the curriculum are allowed while school-sponsored religious observances are not. The 11-page document lists numerous examples.

The policy is the result of months of work by a task force appointed by the board. It was triggered by a controversy that started in December and carried over to town elections in March. The board is scheduled to vote on the policy at its Aug. 11 meeting.

The controversy began when the principal at Benson Village School removed Christmas decorations made by students in art class from the school walls. This led to a number of discussions about religious expressions and observances in the school.

At town meeting, an advisory article asking if students should observe the "holiday season" with a concert and decorations "equally divided to include all traditions and beliefs" passed by a vote of 26-15.

The policy, which cites several court cases, covers not only broad strokes, but also answers specific questions about what is and is not allowed. Broadly, the policy says the school's role is to teach about religious holidays, not to celebrate them.