School board alters language to science instruction policy

By R.D. Tucker

In its meeting in May, the Mariposa County Unified School District Board of Directors took a bold move to protect students’ rights of free expression and to avoid an infringement of First Amendment rights in the classroom.

At its meeting on June 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the board chambers at the MCUSD district office, the board will review and open to discussion the new language, which states, “Philosophical and religious theories that are based, at least in part, on faith and are not subject to scientific test and refutation can be responded to pursuant to existing board policies BP6142.2, BP 5145.2, and BP 6144.”

At least four of the five board members appear to support the new language, which spawned verbal wrangling and discussion among the board and community members for months. Board member Bob Morse apparently supports the state’s suggested language, and some community members have expressed concern that he will revisit the issue in January, after Board President Jenni Kiser and board member Bob Collins are no longer serving.

Due to established board procedures, the new language is scheduled to be read and discussed at the June 12 meeting. It can then be scheduled to be brought back at the next meeting for a second reading and a vote by the board.

A number of letters from the community were read during the May meeting, and a large contingent of community members was in attendance.

The heart of the issue was somewhat misunderstood by many community members. The board has not been trying to inject the study of “creationism” or “intelligent design” or the foundations of any particular religion into discussion during science instruction, but rather it is opening the door to conversation and dialogue if it is relevant to the subject matter.

In other words, if a student suggests during a discussion of the theory of evolution that in the Quran the explanation by Allah states something different, the teacher doesn’t shut down that conversation, stating that it is prohibited, but instead can either entertain the contribution to the conversation, or tell the student that it’s something they can discuss at another time, possibly after class.

Kiser told The Mariposan, “There’s been some misinformation circulating about the school board intending to mandate the teaching of religious theories in science classes. This is simply untrue. Our science teachers follow a state-mandated curriculum, and we have robust policies in place to support all students and staff viewpoints. The state’s new policy suggestion makes it where a student can’t ask about religious scientific theory and a teacher can’t respond if asked and everyone’s in trouble. Why?”

“Personally, I advocate for the upholding of current laws, which our existing policy already ensures. While I can’t speak for the other board members, in my view, we don’t need another policy on this matter. Our current policy comprehensively addresses how to handle religion in all classes, ensuring everyone’s safety and rights are protected,” Kiser added.

The original language suggested by the state read, “Philosophical and religious theories that are based, at least in part, on faith and are not subject to scientific test and refutation shall not (the board also changed this to say, ‘will not’) be discussed during science instruction.”

Kiser noted on her personal Facebook page, “The School Board is reviewing a proposed science policy based on guidance, not law from the State. Please note, teachers are not being asked to teach religious theory in science. They follow a state mandated curriculum.”

The board’s new suggested language relies on the district’s existing policies.

Board policy (BP) 6142.2 reads, in part, “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 identify principles common to all religions and foster respect for the diversity of religions and customs of the world.

In order to respect each student’s individual right to freedom of religious practice, religious indoctrination is clearly forbidden in public schools. Instruction about religion shall not promote or denigrate the beliefs or customs of any particular religion or sect, not should a preference be shown for one religious viewpoint over another. Staff members shall be highly sensitive to their obligation not to interfere with the religious development of any student in whatever tradition the student embraces.

Staff shall not endorse, encourage, or solicit religious or anti-religious expression or activities among students during class time. As part of their official duties, staff shall not lead students in prayer or other religious activities. However, staff shall not prohibit or discourage any student from praying or otherwise expressing his/her religious belief as long as it does not disrupt the classroom.

Students may express their beliefs about religion in their homework, artwork, and other class work if the expression is germane to the assignment. Such work shall be judged by ordinary academic standards.” This language was adopted in January of 2023.

The board’s new language also relies on board policy 6144, which was adopted in November of 2023. The policy states, in part, “The Governing Board recognizes that the district’s educational program may sometimes include instruction related to controversial issues that may arouse strong reactions based on personal values and beliefs, political philosophy, culture, religion or other influences. Instruction concerning such topics shall be relevant to the adopted course of study and curricular goals and should be designed to develop students’ critical thinking skills, ability to discriminate between facts and opinion, respect for others, and understanding and tolerance of diverse points of view.”

In addition, the new language proposed by the board references BP 5145.2. That policy, which was adopted in December of 1993 and revised in November of 2023, reads, in part, “The Governing Board believes that free inquiry and exchange of ideas are essential parts of a democratic education. The Board respects students’ rights to express ideas and opinions, take stands on issues, and support causes even when such speech is controversial.”

Community members are invited to attend the meeting on June 12.