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Florida schools must allow absences for religious instruction, AG rules

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Florida's Attorney General issued a legal opinion requiring school districts to allow student absences for religious instruction.
  • The opinion clarifies that "release time" for religious instruction off school property is a legal right for parents.
  • The ruling aims to ensure parents can direct their children's religious upbringing, aligning with state law and Supreme Court decisions.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has issued a legal opinion affirming that all school districts must accommodate parents' requests for their children to be absent from school for religious instruction. This clarification addresses "release time" for religious instruction (RTRI), which allows students to leave school grounds for religious education or devotional exercises.

Florida law, consistent with the Supreme Court’s decisions in Zorach and Mahmoud, prohibits public schools from restricting parents’ efforts to direct the religious upbringing of their children, including participation in RTRI

— James UthmeierFlorida Attorney General explaining the legal basis for accommodating religious instruction absences.

Uthmeier's opinion, prompted by a question from Senator Clay Yarborough, states that existing Florida statutes mandate school districts to allow these absences. He noted that some school boards had been issuing "blanket denials" or imposing restrictions on RTRI programs, actions that he deemed violations of Florida law. The opinion emphasizes that Florida law, consistent with Supreme Court rulings, prohibits public schools from hindering parents' efforts to guide their children's religious upbringing.

The attorney general stressed the importance of RTRI in shaping younger generations with "civic, moral, and religious character," which he described as vital for the nation's republican system. He further stated that RTRI enables parents to fulfill their "sacred duties to raise their children in the faith."

properly shaped

— James UthmeierFlorida Attorney General describing the civic, moral, and religious character development of younger generations.

This legal opinion complements a recent update to policy by the Florida Board of Education. The board's amendment requires school districts to permit parents to request excused absences for religious instruction or holidays. These absences must allow students to make up missed work, and principals must coordinate with parents to ensure these absences do not conflict with core curriculum instruction. The rule changes took effect on June 17.

Crucially, RTRI enables parents to honor their sacred duties to raise their children in the faith. The LORD, author of our natural rights and duties, requires nothing less

— James UthmeierFlorida Attorney General emphasizing the religious imperative for parents regarding their children's upbringing.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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