Title: Religion in Schools | OSPI
Headings: Religion in Schools
Religion in Schools
Looking for information for school districts?
Contact Information
Religious Expression at School
Religious Accommodations
Harassment Based on Religion or Creed
Resources & Support
Frequently Asked Questions
May teachers teach about religious holidays?
Must public school officials make school facilities available during nonschool hours for religious use by religious organizations?
Is it constitutional to teach about religion in public schools?
What constitutes teaching about religion?
How may the study of religion be integrated into the public school curriculum?
What does the law not permit?
What does the law permit?

Content: Students who choose to express their religious beliefs at school are permitted to: Express these beliefs at school, in homework, and in school assignments
Pray or study religious materials during recess, lunch, and other non-instructional time, such as before or after school
Pray or discuss religion with other students during the school day in the same way that students can engage in other conversations with students, as long as it is not disruptive and does not infringe on the rights of other students
Religious Accommodations
Public school staff must take reasonable steps to accommodate a student's religious beliefs or practices, unless that accommodation would create an undue hardship. Undue hardship is a term that means the accommodation is costly, compromises safety, or infringes on the rights of other students or employees. Religious accommodations could include: Excusing absences for religious observances or activities. Providing alternative assignments with similar learning goals. Waiving dress code or school uniform requirements that conflict with a student's religious beliefs or practices. For example, a school might waive a rule to allow a student to wear a head cover, jewelry, religious object, beard, or hair of a certain length. Many students end up missing school and important school events in order to honor their religious practices. OSPI encourages districts not to schedule significant school events on major religious holidays;