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West Chester Area
School District
File: IKCA
SECTION: INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM
TITLE:
RECOGNIZING RELIGIOUS AND
CULTURAL DIVERSITY DURING
HOLIDAYS AND OTHER SCHOOL
ACTIVITIES
ADOPTED: 8/28/95
REVISED:
IKCA - RECOGNIZING RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY
DURING HOLIDAYS AND OTHER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
There is a place in the schools for teaching about different religions and
customs. Each student, staff member and administrator should be valued for
the richness of the culture and traditions he/she brings to the District. It is
important to acknowledge and appreciate other people’s cultures. Because of
the individual background each student brings into the school environment,
each student serves as a teacher as well as a learner. Each student deserves a
safe physical and emotional learning environment; therefore, the behaviors and
beliefs held by students should be regarded with respect and care. Teachers’
knowledge regarding each student’s background and beliefs is critical before
meaningful discussion or lessons about holidays should occur.
Court decisions regarding the appropriate place of religion in the school
suggest that the significant issue is the difference between promotion and
practice of religion versus promotion
of the understanding of religions. In
other words, students may be taught about religions, but schools may not
promote a religious tradition or create situations in which students are required
to observe religious practice. When recognized appropriately, religious
holidays can be used to enrich the curriculum.
The following principles shall determine school practices:
1)
Cultural awareness and sensitivity should be exercised in daily
occurrences.
2)
Teachers should have sound pedagogical reasons for including holiday
discussions within the curriculum.
3)
Religious symbols should be used only to augment the curriculum and
enhance instruction.
Note: Symbols which some perceive as generic may be considered
religious by others
4)
Instructional time should reflect the relative importance of holidays
within their culture.
5)
Addressing numerous cultural aspects of a holiday is encouraged.
6)
No student should feel singled out due to his/her beliefs.
7)
When appropriate, students should be encouraged to volunteer to share
their cultural holidays, but not be required to do so.
The following is a list of appropriate practices:
1)
Encouraging discussion of diverse opinions/beliefs/customs.
File: IKCA
RECOGNIZING RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY DURING
HOLIDAYS AND OTHER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
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2)
Honoring the request of a student who chooses not to participate in an
activity or discussion.
3)
Researching and teaching how holiday traditions/customs began v. the
commercial approach.
4)
Teaching about federally celebrated holidays.
5)
Guest speakers knowledgeable on specific holidays and customs.
6)
Projects which emphasize community or helping others.
7)
Writing activities to incorporate what has been taught about each
specific celebration.
8)
Activities/projects/worksheets and assignments devoid of holiday
symbols.
9)
Classroom or door decorations which are specifically tied to the
curriculum.
10)
Musical performances which are balanced in their representation of
various styles.
11)
Gift giving should emphasize community needs.
12)
Displays of religious symbols when used as part of instruction and
then put away.
13)
Displaying holiday decorations for no more than two weeks.
14)
Holiday shops which are inclusive.
West Chester Area School District, West Chester, Pa 19380
This policy put into new format only 8/8/06.
