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: Teaching about religion is likely allowed if: The proposed lesson furthers a genuine educational purpose; It is presented objectively; and
It does not have the effect of advancing or inhibiting any religious or nonreligious practices. Must public school officials make school facilities available during nonschool hours for religious use by religious organizations? Some courts hold that the school may not refuse rental requests by religious groups if they grant such requests to other community groups. Other courts hold that the school may deny the rental requests of religious organizations which seek to use the premises for religious purposes as long as they do so consistently and do not apply selective rules to certain religious groups. Is it constitutional to teach about religion in public schools? Generally, yes. Public schools are not religion-free zones.