McCray_Legal Entanglement Project Part 3 - Policies and Procedures
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Liberty University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
647
Subject
Religion
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
5
Uploaded by laurenmccray3
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
1
Legal Entanglement Project: Part 3 – Policies and Procedures
Jessica L. McCray
School of Education, Liberty University
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
2
Legal Entanglement Project: Part 3 – Policies and Procedures
Background and Root Causes
Within the city of Danville, Virginia, around 70.5% of people identify themselves as religious (Best Places, 2023). While the majority of these individuals identify as being a part of the Christian faith, no matter their denomination, there is also 7.8% of the population of Danville
that adheres to the Islamic faith (Best Places, 2023). According to these statistics, it is likely that there are students and teachers within Danville Public Schools who adhere to the Christian faith, Islamic faith, or who do not follow any religion at all. Therefore, it is possible that there are students and teachers within Danville Public Schools who have certain religious rituals or norms that they need to practice during the day, but the current policy is not clear on what they can and cannot do in regards to religion. If there was more clarification in the district’s policy regarding religions, more individuals may feel that they can engage in their religious practices without fear of consequences. Development of Policy and Procedures
Proposal of Policy
The Danville School Board is neutral in matters of religion. This means that the Danville schools: assume no role or responsibility for the religious training of any student and do not become involved in the religious belief, disbelief, or doubt of any student. However, students and
school personnel are free to engage in their personal religious beliefs in private, as long as it does
not decrease the inclusivity within the schools or diminish the beliefs and opinions of others. The division recognizes that one of its educational responsibilities is to advance the students' knowledge and appreciation of the role that religion has played in the social, cultural, and historical development of civilization. Therefore, the division approaches religion from an
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
3
objective, curriculum-related perspective, encouraging all students and staff members to be aware of the diversity of beliefs and respectful of each other's religious and/or non-religious views. In that spirit of respect, students and staff members may be excused from participating in activities that are contrary to their religious beliefs.
Expected Results
With a clearer idea of what is and is not allowed regarding religious expression in the schools, students and school personnel make feel more comfortable practicing certain religious rituals in private during the school day. Additionally, students may feel more comfortable speaking up and asking for certain accommodations regarding religious practices, as long as it does not hinder the learning environment or infringe on others. Additionally, there will likely be less confusion if an issue arises regarding religion because the policy offers a little more insight than the previous policy. Advocating for Proposed Policy and Procedures
Within our school district, we have an abundance of diversity that we should celebrate and strive to learn more about. We have students, staff, and families from different cultures and backgrounds, which can enrich the lives of everyone when given the opportunity. A revised policy will be coming out soon in our district which provides some much needed clarification on religious practices during the school day by all individuals. While we are professionals who are still unable to use our position of power to influence others to adhere to any particular beliefs, we
should still be given the ability to privately engage in our own religious practices, as should our students. Therefore, this revised policy will make it clear that both students and staff are able to participate in their own religious beliefs and rituals privately throughout the school day without any fear of reprimand. Furthermore, we want to ensure that our schools continue to be a
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
4
welcoming and inclusive environment, so it is imperative that we are mindful when following any religious beliefs and ensure that we are not viewing certain individuals negatively because of
their own religious preferences or choices.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
5
References
Best Places. (2023). Religion in Danville, VA. Retrieved from https://www.bestplaces.net/religion/city/virginia/danville