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Governor Mike Braun
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Religious Expression in Schools

Religious Expression in Schools

Students have the right to express their religious beliefs in school. Public schools must respect students’ religious freedom while also maintaining a learning environment that is inclusive for all students.

Under federal and Indiana civil rights laws, schools may not discriminate against students because of their religion. Students may be able to express their religious beliefs in certain ways, as long as the expression does not disrupt the educational environment or interfere with the rights of others.

These protections help ensure that students of all religious backgrounds are treated fairly in school.

Students’ Rights to Religious Expression:

Students may have the right to express their religious beliefs in school through personal expression.

Examples of religious expression may include:

  • Praying individually or in groups during non-instructional time
  • Discussing religious beliefs in conversations with other students
  • Wearing religious clothing, head coverings, or symbols
  • Including religious viewpoints in assignments when relevant to the topic

Schools generally may not prohibit students from expressing their religion in ways that are similar to other forms of student expression.

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When Religious Discrimination May Occur:

Religious discrimination in schools may occur when students are treated unfairly because of their religion.

Examples may include:

  • Preventing a student from wearing religious clothing or symbols
  • Harassing a student because of their religious beliefs
  • Treating students differently because of their religion
  • Denying participation in school programs because of religious identity

Schools should ensure that students of all religious backgrounds are treated fairly.

Religious Clubs and Student Organizations

Students may have the right to form religious clubs or organizations at school if other student clubs are allowed.

These clubs are typically student led and may meet during non instructional time.

Schools should apply the same rules to religious clubs that apply to other student organizations.

Religious Holidays and Absences

Students may request excused absences for religious holidays or observances.

Schools often have policies that allow students to make up assignments or tests missed because of religious observances.

Parents and students may communicate with school administrators to arrange appropriate accommodations when necessary.

Religious Clothing and Grooming

Students may have the right to wear clothing or maintain grooming practices related to their religious beliefs.

Examples may include:

  • Religious head coverings such as hijabs, turbans, or yarmulkes
  • Religious symbols or jewelry
  • Grooming practices required by religious beliefs

Schools generally should not restrict these practices unless there is a legitimate safety concern.

If You Believe a Student’s Education Rights Were Violated

If you believe a student was treated unfairly because of their religion, you may be able to file a discrimination complaint.

The Indiana Civil Rights Commission investigates complaints involving discrimination in education, employment, housing, credit, and public accommodations.

To learn more about filing a complaint, visit the How to File a Discrimination Complaint page.