Albuquerque Public Schools
IH1 Treatment of Religious Issues - July 2024 Revision
Notice: This policy was reviewed, revised, and/or renamed. We provide this revision for historic purposes only. Please see our current policies and procedural directives.
Albuquerque Public Schools shall strive to maintain a neutral stance in matters involving religion. Albuquerque Public Schools shall adhere to the following guidelines regarding the instructional day:
- The school year calendar shall attempt to avoid conflict with religious holidays.
- In case of conflict, students shall be allowed excused absences to observe religious holidays.
- The sacred literature of all faiths may be studied only for its historical, artistic, cultural, literary, or other secular importance and must be aligned to state standards.
- Religious exhibits, music, or display of religious objects or symbols are permissible only if they are used as learning materials in these studies.
- School facilities may be used by religious groups outside of school hours or when such use will not conflict or interfere with the school program in accordance with Board of Education policy and administrative procedural directives.
Albuquerque Public Schools shall not conduct or sanction any invocations, benedictions, or formal prayers at any district-sponsored activities.
Administrative Position:
- Chief of Schools
- Associate Superintendents for Leadership and Learning
Department Director:
- Executive Director of Accountability and Reporting
- School Principals
References
Legal Cross Ref.:
-
§22-12A-1 NMSA 1978
-
§22-15-15 through §22-15-20 NMSA 1978
- §22-27-2 NMSA 1978
- N.M. Const., art. XII, § 9
Board Policy Cross Ref.:
- IH – Instruction Program
- JE Student Attendance
- KF Community Use of Albuquerque Public Schools Facilities
Procedural Directive Cross Ref.:
- Buildings and Grounds: Non-School Use of Albuquerque Public Schools Facilities
- Religious Issues and Holiday Practices
- Student Behavior Handbook
- Student Attendance
NSBA/NEPN Classification: IHAL
Approved: September 7, 1983
Revised: January 17, 1990
Revised: February 20, 1996
Revised: April 2001
Reviewed: January 8, 2013
Reviewed: June 12, 2013
Revised: June 14, 2013
Reviewed: January 5, 2023
Revised: January 19, 2023
Archived: June 26, 2024