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HCPSS / POLICIES

Policy 3000 Implementation Procedures - Religious Observances

Policy Document

Implementation Procedures

  1. The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) will communicate the contents of the policy annually in the Student & Parent Handbook and post current guidelines and procedures on the school system’s website.

  2. Principals will receive annual written notification of the standards and implementation procedures of this policy. Additionally, staff will receive annual notification of the religious holy days and their associated observance timeframes.

  3. In accordance with Standard A. of this policy and Policy 9010, student absence for observance of a religious holiday is considered lawful. In order to make up any work missed during their absence, students, teachers, and administrators will comply with the provisions of policies: 8010 Grading and Reporting: Pre-kindergarten Through Grade 8 8020 Grading and Reporting: High School 9010 Attendance

  4. In accordance with Standard B. of this policy, parents/students may request an accommodation to meet a religious obligation that cannot be fulfilled except during the school day. The procedure below will be followed:

    1. A written request to the principal/designee documenting the need for such accommodation must be made by the parent(s). Whenever possible, this request will be made at the beginning of the school year.

    2. The principal/designee will forward such requests to the Office of Equity Assurance/designee (OEA). The OEA/designee will review the request; consult with parents, employees, and others as needed; and make a determination regarding accommodations.

    3. If the approved reasonable accommodation includes excusal from class or school, the absence will be a legal absence for purposes of attendance and making up missed work.

  5. In accordance with Standard C. of this policy, the essential curriculum cannot be waived for religious reasons. COMAR 13A.04.18.01.F5.G2 provides an exception for Family Life and Human Sexuality and HIV/AIDS instructional units which are part of the Health Education Program curriculum.

  6. Student-initiated religious clubs are considered non-school sponsored clubs. In order to conduct meetings on school property during non-instructional hours, such clubs must first apply for and obtain approval from the principal/designee and have an employee in attendance in a supervisory, but non-participatory, capacity.

  7. Students may wear attire as an expression of their religious practice in accordance with the provisions of Policy 9210 Student Dress Code. Reasonable accommodations will be made for students who request to wear or not to wear certain clothes for religious reasons (e.g., gym clothes). Requests for accommodations will be made to the school principal/designee.

  8. In accordance with Standard H:

    1. As per the Annotated Code of Maryland, Education Article, Section 7-104, parameters for a moment of silence are as follows:

      1. Will last approximately one minute in duration.

      2. Used for silent meditation or silent reading.

      3. During this period, an individual may silently read holy scripture or pray.

    2. A principal:

      1. May implement a moment of silence schoolwide.

      2. May include a moment of silence during morning exercises.

      3. Cannot prohibit a daily moment of silence in any individual classroom immediately following morning exercises.

    3. An individual teacher:

      1. Will abide by the schoolwide moment of silence, if implemented by the principal.

      2. May include a moment of silence in his/her classroom following the morning exercises, if not implemented schoolwide.

IX. History

ADOPTED: July 10, 1970

REVIEWED:

MODIFIED: August 14, 2014

REVISED: September 13, 1990, December 13, 1990, August 24, 1995, September 20, 2007, April 10, 2018

EFFECTIVE: July 1, 2018