In accordance with the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which affirms the basic American tradition of separation of church and state, the Public Schools of Martha's Vineyard shall ensure that no practices are allowed in the schools which convey their endorsement or disapproval of any religion or religions, nor sponsor any activity which promotes or disparages any religion or religions. Students shall not be solicited in school by teachers or staff to participate in any form of religious devotion to take place either before, during, or after school.
Religious phenomena, such as sacred narratives, structures, and practices, may be studied in the public schools as secular knowledge to promote better understanding of culture and civilizations. Religious symbols used as a teaching aid or resource should be displayed only on a temporary basis as a part of academic study. The symbols of religious holidays that have become a part of secular culture may be used or displayed if they do not imply religious endorsement or exert subtle coercive pressure for the endorsement of one religion over another.
The public schools shall permit staff and students to be excused from school attendance without penalty or unreasonable burden because of absence for personal religious observances that take place outside the school. Adjustment to the school calendar or excusal of individuals shall be acceptable means to meet these needs.
Any parent or guardian of a student in the schools who has a serious concern about the implementation of this policy should first address this concern to the staff member who is responsible for such implementation. Should that parent or guardian find his/her concern not addressed satisfactorily, he/she may pursue it with the principal of the school, who may refer the concern to the Holiday Observance Implementation/Review Committee. Should this response not meet the concern, it should be taken to the Superintendent of Schools. As a final recourse, the parent or guardian may bring his/her concern to the school committee for resolution.