The Board affirms that it is essential that the teaching about religion—and not of a religion be conducted
in a factual, objective, and respectful manner in accordance with the following:

1.  The inclusion of religion shall be for educational purposes only;
2.  Music, art, literature, or drama with a religious theme or basis are permitted as part of the
   curriculum for school-sponsored activities and programs provided it is essential to the learning
   experience in the various fields of study and is presented objectively;
3.  The emphasis on religious themes in the arts, literature and history shall be only as extensive as
   necessary for a balanced and comprehensive study of these areas. Such studies shall never foster
   any particular religious tenets or demean any religious beliefs; and
4.  Student-initiated expressions to questions or assignments which reflect their beliefs or non-beliefs about a religious theme shall be accommodated. For example, students are free to express religious belief or non-belief in compositions, art forms, music, speech and debate.

Rights of students:

1.  Pray in a public school, vocally or silently, alone or with other students to the same extent and
   under the same circumstances as a student is permitted to vocally or silently reflect, meditate or
   speak on nonreligious matters alone or with other students in the public school;
2.  Express religious viewpoints in a public school to the same extent and under the same
   circumstances as a student is permitted to express viewpoints on nonreligious topics or subjects
   in the school;
3.  Speak to and attempt to share religious viewpoints with other students in a public school to the
   same extent and under the same circumstances as a student is permitted to speak to and attempt
   to share nonreligious viewpoints with other students;
4.  Possess or distribute religious literature in a public school, subject to reasonable time, place and
   manner restrictions to the same extent and under the same circumstances as a student is permitted to possess or distribute literature on nonreligious topics or subjects in the school; and
5.  Be absent, in accordance with LEA attendance policy, from a public school to observe religious
   holidays and participate in other religious practices to the same extent and under the same
   circumstances as a student is permitted to be absent from a public school for nonreligious
   purposes.

Legal Reference:

1. T.C.A. § 49-6-2901.

Approved as to Legal Form
By Knox County Law Director 8/21/2023
/Gary T. Dupler/Deputy Law Director