School Harassment and Bullying Policy Will Include Respect for Religious Beliefs

Students "sincerely held religious beliefs with regard to examinations and other academic requirements" will be accommodated by the district when necessary, and it's now in writing.

The Muskego-Norway School Board voted to approve the additional language to its policy on discrimination, harassment and bullying Monday night at its regular meeting. The addition will mean that students who need to leave school early to attend a religious activity, or need to opt-out of a school activity, however the district is asking for prior written requests to accommodate these students.

On a national level, a new focus on providing a more supportive environment for students wishing to practice their faith without repercussions was also announced this week.

At a press conference Tuesday, the National School Boards Association (NSBA), as part of a coalition of 17 education, religious, and civil liberties groups, released new guidelines aimed at helping public schools uphold the First Amendment while combating harassment and bullying.  

“This guidance document, the product of months of collaboration among national organizations, will help public school officials balance the First Amendment rights of students and the student safety concerns associated with peer bullying and harassment,” said NSBA's General Counsel Francisco M. Negrón Jr. “We hope that public schools will rely on it as they make on-the-ground decisions in this area. Public schools can be a shining example of a forum in which constitutional rights are respected and cherished, and where individual dignity and safety is guarded.”   

“Harassment, Bullying and Free Expression: Guidelines for Free and Safe Public Schools” was organized by the American Jewish Committee and the Religious Freedom Education Project and endorsed by NSBA along with American Association of School Administrators; ASCD; Center for Religion and Public Affairs at Wake Forest University Divinity School; Christian Educators Association International; Christian Legal Society; Hindu American Foundation; Islamic Networks Group and its affiliates; Islamic Society of North America; Muslim Public Affairs Council; National Association of Evangelicals; National Association of State Boards of Education; National Council for the Social Studies; Religion Action Center of Reform Judaism; and Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America.   

According to the guidelines, students should be able to attend public schools where they are free to share their views and engage in discussions about religious and political differences while simultaneously attending safe schools that prohibit discrimination, bullying, and harassment.