House Awaits Action On Student Religious Liberties Bill
May 18 2009 08:36 Filed in: Education
The Student Religious Liberties Act (HB2357) prohibits a public educational institution from discriminating against students or parents on the basis of their religious viewpoint or expression.
Rep. Rich Crandall sponsored the bill due to Deborah Chambers, a seventh grade charter school student who had a picture of Jesus dying on the cross. A fellow student complained and the principal told her she couldn’t bring the folder to school any more.
The bill passed the House 37 to 23 on May 6 and is awaiting action at the Senate. Since the Senate is only hearing budget related bills, it’s unknown when this legislation will get a hearing.
If HB2357 passes, students will be able to pray or participate in religious activities in public schools in the same manner students can engage in non-religious activities.
Students will also be allowed to wear clothing, jewelry or other apparel displaying religious messages to the same extent students can display non-religious apparel.
If this bill passes out of the Senate and is signed into law by the Governor, it will be known as, “The Students’ Religious Liberties Act.”
photo by Cronkite News Service
Rep. Rich Crandall sponsored the bill due to Deborah Chambers, a seventh grade charter school student who had a picture of Jesus dying on the cross. A fellow student complained and the principal told her she couldn’t bring the folder to school any more.
The bill passed the House 37 to 23 on May 6 and is awaiting action at the Senate. Since the Senate is only hearing budget related bills, it’s unknown when this legislation will get a hearing.
If HB2357 passes, students will be able to pray or participate in religious activities in public schools in the same manner students can engage in non-religious activities.
Students will also be allowed to wear clothing, jewelry or other apparel displaying religious messages to the same extent students can display non-religious apparel.
If this bill passes out of the Senate and is signed into law by the Governor, it will be known as, “The Students’ Religious Liberties Act.”
photo by Cronkite News Service