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ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION - 6141.2

Our mission is to empower students with the knowledge and habits of mind necessary to meet the challenge of a changing world and become contributing members of society. We believe it is entirely appropriate and necessary that schools teach about religion within a comparative framework that includes considerations of the beliefs and practices of the world’s religions, the role of religion in historic and contemporary society, as well as religious themes in art, music and literature. While we believe that understanding the role of religion often requires understanding the beliefs and practices of various religions, we are clear that the role of the school is not to espouse any particular religious view. It is the responsibility of parents and religious institutions to teach religious faith and individual beliefs.

The discussion of religion in the classroom must adhere to the following guidelines:

• The school’s study of religion should be objective, neutral, and academic rather than sectarian or devotional.
• The purpose of the discussion about religion should be to develop student awareness of world religions rather than student acceptance or belief in a particular religion.
• The discussion should involve the study of religion not the practice of religion or the observance of religious holidays or ceremonies.
• The discussion may expose students to the diversity of religious views that exist in the world but may not impose a particular religious point of view.
• The discussion may educate students about the various religions of the world but may not promote a religion or denigrate or disparage any religion and should not seek to induce or persuade a student to conform his or her behavior or conduct to a particular religious belief or practice.

We believe that education without appropriate attention to the influence of major religions is incomplete education. We must recognize and advance the understanding that we are a pluralistic community within a democratic society. Teaching about religion is essential in building the foundation that our children will need to live successfully and better understand and appreciate the complexities of an increasingly interdependent and global society.

California Education Code does not provide broad exemptions for students to be excused from class attendance or specific curriculum; however, the District recognizes that some instructional content may substantially interfere with specific religious belief(s), custom(s), and/or practice(s). The District has established an opt-out request process based on the parameters of the Supreme Court Case: Mahmoud v. Taylor.  

When a parent/guardian submits a written request to opt the parent's/guardian's student out of instruction based on religious beliefs, customs, or practices, the request shall include the following:

1. The specific instructional content of which the student should be opted out
2. The specific religious belief(s), custom(s), and/or practice(s) with which the specific instructional content substantially interferes
3. How the specific instructional content substantially interferes with the specific religious belief(s), custom(s), and/or practice(s), including any grade level or individual student characteristics relevant to the opt-out request

Each request will be considered individually and should be submitted directly to the school site principal.  As needed, the Superintendent or designee may consult with District legal counsel to determine whether the opt-out request will be granted. 

When deemed appropriate, schools will provide alternate assignments, assessments and accommodations, including but not limited to, one-time events such as examinations, District sponsored trips, and celebrations.

A student shall not be subject to disciplinary action, academic penalty, or other sanction if the student's parent/guardian declines to permit the student to receive the instruction. (Education Code 51939)



Adopted: April 9, 1973
Revised: December 11, 2018
Revised: August 22, 2025

See also: 

Board Policy 6142: Health Education