Schools

Bloomfield Hills Schools Re-evaluates Religion Policy

The Bloomfield Hills Schools board of Trustees took their first look at the proposal since prayer controversy.

The Bloomfield Hills Schools will update the district's policy on religion in the coming months. 

School board members heard their first presentation on the policy and possible revisions Thursday. Attorney Bill Albertson said some modifications were in order for the policy, which was last revised in 1989. The goal, Albertson said, was to re-examine the policy and ensure it’s consistent with the recent interpretations of the Constitution. 

"Our focus is not upon specifically identifying religious activities that students and staff can participate in, but legally recognizing the limitations put in place on religion in school," he said. 

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The review comes after the district received national attention for enforcing a policy that prohibits staff from attending or participating in religious activity. District administration investigated an allegation after receiving a letter from the American Civil Liberties Union highlighted a post-game prayer involving a football coach.

Superintendent Rob Glass wrote on the Patch that while the coach did not lead the students in prayer, he was present when student-led prayers were held. He was reminded of the policy, which states: “ceremonies, prayer or references of any religious nature are prohibited at school-sponsored events such as banquets, commencement, assemblies and programs.”

Three points

Albertson said the evaluators will consider the following:

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  1. The policy will not prohibit student expression of religious beliefs in class,  as long as it is relevant to subject matter being taught.
  2. Similarly, it will not prohibit student expression outside of class as long as it's not disruptive to school operations and not coercive to other students.
  3. The policy will not restrict student prayer as long as student-led and initiated prayer is not disruptive.
Christine Barnett, assistant superintendent of human resources & labor relations, said the board may review any proposed revisions over the next few meetings before finalizing the policy.

What would you add to the Bloomfield Hills Schools policy on religion? Tells us in the comments.


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