JCBE/POLICY FILE: 443.11

Approved: 3/24/77

Revised: 5/29/81

STUDENT ABSENCES TO OBSERVE TRADITIONAL RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS

The Jefferson County Board of Education, as a publicly elected extension of the citizens of Jefferson County's democratic mode of government, shall observe the articles of the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights in fulfilling its duty of directing the general administration and supervision of the Jefferson County School System. (Constitution of Alabama, Article XVI, and CODE OF ALABAMA, 16-8-9 and 16-8-2)

Therefore, with respect to the fact that religious freedom is a fundamental principle of democracy guaranteed by the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights, it shall be the policy of the Board to excuse students on traditional religious holidays of local, national or international origin and permit them to make up class work or examinations which are given on those particular dates.