Glenbard Dist. 87 superintendent speaks about religious expression in public schools
Our local public schools have always been an ideal environment for promoting and advancing key democratic values. Children learn to understand and embrace democratic ideals such as liberty, equality, justice and respect.
Along with imparting these civic values, public schools are attentive to each student’s interests, their specific culture and heritage, as well as their first language.
This attentiveness also includes being committed to an environment where students are able to comfortably integrate their religious faith and background into the school day, including the learning process, when appropriate.
Often misunderstood, due to the concept of separation between church and state, there is a perception that we must avoid or prevent any integration or expression of a student's personal religious beliefs. In reality, engaging with their religious background can be an asset.
Former U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel A. Cardona, in referencing the 2023 updated U.S. Department of Education Guidance on Constitutionally Protected Prayer and Religious Expression in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools, states, “Such environments are fundamental to the principle of religious freedom and necessarily entail respecting rights to engage appropriately in private prayer and religious expression in public schools. Schools are uniquely positioned to assist youth in developing the critical and necessary skills that foster such a culture of respect.”
Clearly from this federal guidance, students are afforded the opportunities to freely and openly express their beliefs and convictions represented by their faith or religion.
The U.S. Department of Education's Guidance at this link highlights the following important opportunities. Students can:
• Express their faith in classwork and homework
In the course of regular assigned projects, such as written and oral assignments, artwork, poetry, etc., students may express their beliefs. Their work will be free from discrimination and graded on the basis of ordinary academic standards.
• Pray, read religious texts, and talk about their faith
This can take place during noninstructional time to the same extent that they may engage in nonreligious activities. Students may discuss and debate their beliefs and convictions regarding religious matters, just as they might with regard to, for example, political matters.
• Share religious literature
Students may share religious material while still adhering to the normal school time, place and manner outlined in the school’s guidelines.
• Wear clothing with religious messages
Students may display religious messages per the same conditions that they are allowed to display nonreligious messages.
• Organize before & after school prayer groups and religious clubs and announce meetings
Students may announce these gatherings and be provided the same access to school facilities as given to other non-curricular groups.
• Be excused from school for religious reasons
Students may be excused for prayer, special observances or off-premises religious instruction.
Openness to religious expression helps build an environment of belonging and esteem for students and families.
Our own Glenbard District 87 Equity and Belonging Purpose Statement reads, “… (we are) committed to respecting, encouraging and supporting each student and their individual unique background and life experiences … we aim to build an environment where diversity is affirmed and families are valued as esteemed members of our school community.”
When we engage with students’ interests, culture and heritage, first language and religious beliefs, we see students benefit in their academic performance, school attendance and social-emotional development.
Consistent with Cardona’s comments and the Department of Education’s guidance, Glenbard welcomes all students, including those who choose to integrate their religious faith into their school activities to enhance their educational and personal growth.
• David F. Larson is superintendent of Glenbard Township High School District 87.