MN HF1771

Prohibits public school districts from discriminating against students based on religious viewpoint or religious expression, requiring equal treatment of religious and secular student expression on permissible subjects.

Allows students to express religious beliefs in homework, artwork, and assignments without penalty or reward based on religious content, with evaluation limited to academic standards of substance and relevance.

Permits students to pray, organize religious clubs, wear religious clothing and accessories, and participate in religious activities before, during, and after school with the same access to facilities and announcement methods as nonreligious groups.

Requires all school districts to adopt a limited public forum policy for student speakers at school events with neutral selection criteria, prohibiting obscene speech, and including a written or oral disclaimer that student speech does not represent district endorsement.

Directs the commissioner of education to develop a state model policy in consultation with school administrator and board associations, and to establish procedures for reviewing district compliance and investigating complaints about noncompliance.