Title: Religion in Schools | OSPI
Headings: Religion in Schools
Religion in Schools
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Religious Expression at School
Religious Accommodations
Harassment Based on Religion or Creed
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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: Religion must be discussed in a neutral, objective, balanced and factual manner. The curriculum's approach may not be devotional or doctrinal, nor have the effect of promoting or inhibiting religion. How may the study of religion be integrated into the public school curriculum? The study of religion may naturally occur within the context of studying other topics. In early education, the subject of religion may naturally arise in discussion of families, communities, and different cultures and holidays. For older students, the topic may be integrated into classes on social studies, history, literature, art, music and comparative religions. What does the law not permit? Teachers may not: Lead their classes in prayer, devotional readings from the Bible, or other religious activities; Persuade or compel students to participate in prayer or other religious activities;