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IN SB0518
Bill
Status
1/17/2017
Primary Sponsor
James Smith
Click for details
AI Summary
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School corporations may instruct students about the history of traditional winter celebrations, including Christmas, which is recognized as a legal holiday under federal and Indiana law.
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School corporations may allow students and employees to offer traditional greetings including "Merry Christmas," "Happy Hanukkah," "Happy Holidays," and other seasonal greetings.
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School corporations may display scenes or symbols of traditional winter celebrations (menorah, Christmas tree, Nativity scene, or other religious symbols) on school property only if the display includes symbols from more than one religion OR symbols from one religion combined with at least one secular scene or symbol.
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Displays may not include messages that encourage adherence to a particular religious belief.
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School corporation governing bodies must develop guidelines to assist in developing appropriate instruction and displays concerning traditional winter celebrations.
Legislative Description
Winter holidays in schools. Provides that a school corporation may: (1) instruct students about the history of traditional winter celebrations, including Christmas; (2) allow the use of traditional greetings concerning the celebrations; and (3) display on school property scenes or symbols associated with traditional winter celebrations if certain conditions are met. Requires the governing bodies of school corporations to develop guidelines to assist school corporations in developing appropriate instruction and displays.
Last Action
First reading: referred to Committee on Public Policy
1/17/2017