Policy 3000 – Religious Observances

A student absence for observation of a religious holiday is considered an excused absence in accordance with Policy 9010 Attendance.

A student with a documented religious obligation that cannot be fulfilled except during the school day may receive a reasonable accommodation to meet that obligation.

The essential curriculum, as defined by COMAR, cannot be waived for religious reasons except as provided in Maryland law and regulation.

Pursuant to the Federal Equal Access Act, students in secondary schools may form religious clubs. Student-initiated religious clubs will not be sponsored by schools but will be afforded the same treatment as other extra-curricular student groups that meet during non-instructional time.

When students are not engaged in instruction or school-related activities, they may voluntarily pray individually or in groups and discuss their religious views, as long as such behavior is not disruptive or coercive.

Students may wear attire and other religious and cultural symbols as an expression of their religious practice in accordance with Policy 9210 Student Dress Code.

School officials will not mandate or organize prayer at graduation, nor organize religious baccalaureate ceremonies. If a school generally opens its facilities to private groups, it must make its facilities available on the same terms to organizers of privately sponsored religious baccalaureate services. A school will not extend preferential treatment to baccalaureate ceremonies and will disclaim official endorsement of such ceremonies.

Regular morning exercises at schools may include a daily moment of silence, pursuant to State law.

HCPSS employee absence due to observance of a religious holiday or fulfillment of a documented religious obligation when schools and/or offices are open will follow procedures in Policy 7110 Annual Leave for Administrative Personnel, and the appropriate negotiated agreement, if applicable.

As government employees, employees of the HCPSS are subject to the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and thus required to be neutral concerning religion whether carrying out their duties or exercising their rights related to voluntary religious practices and freedom of speech.

The contents of this policy will be communicated annually to all students, parents, HCPSS employees, and the community.

Excused (Lawful) Absence – An absence for any portion of the day under the following conditions:

HCPSS Employees – An individual who is a permanent or temporary employee whose compensation is paid in whole or part by the Board, including but not limited to school-based administrators, teachers, substitute teachers, paraeducators, and other school-based and Central Office support staff.

Parent – Any one of the following, recognized as the adult(s) legally responsible for the student:

Religion – A recognized system of belief or worship encompassing the nature of a deity and/or reality and the relationship of human beings to that deity and/or reality.

Religious Holiday – A traditional and customary day of religious observance, excluding regular weekly prayer, services, or practices.

Religious Obligation – Traditional and customary practice required of adherents to a religion.