Request for Religious Exemption

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The Governing Board recognizes that students' education would be incomplete without an understanding of the role of religion in society. As appropriate for a particular course, teachers may objectively discuss the influences of various religions, using religious works and symbols to illustrate their relationship with culture, literature, or the arts. The Board expects that such instruction will foster respect for the diversity of religions and customs in the world and be consistent with the adopted instructional materials and State standards, as applicable. (BP 6141.2)

When required by law, the District shall notify parents/guardians that they may, via written request, opt their students out of instruction on the basis of their religious beliefs as specified in the accompanying administrative regulation. Students whose parents/guardians opt them out of such instruction may be offered an alternative activity of similar educational value. Additionally, a student shall not be subject to disciplinary action, academic penalty, or other sanction on the grounds that the student was opted out of such instruction. (BP 6141.2)

In Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025), the U.S. Supreme Court held that parents/guardians of elementary students may opt out of their child’s instruction during the use of age-appropriate storybooks and similar instructional materials relating to LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and/or identities if it would substantially interfere with a sincerely held religious belief, religious custom, or religious practice.

To access the Request for Religious Exemption Form, click on the link below. Form is available in English and Spanish.

FORM - REQUEST FOR RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION FROM INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS (English)
FORM - REQUEST FOR RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION FROM INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS (Spanish)