MN HF118

Public school districts prohibited from discriminating against students or parents based on religious viewpoint or religious expression, with religious expression to be treated the same as secular expression on otherwise permissible subjects.

Students allowed to express religious beliefs in homework, artwork, and assignments without penalty or reward based on religious content, with work evaluated by ordinary academic standards of substance and relevance to curriculum.

Students permitted to pray, organize prayer groups, religious clubs, and "see you at the pole" gatherings before, during, and after school with same access to facilities as noncurricular groups, and allowed to wear clothing displaying religious messages or symbols.

School districts required to adopt policies establishing limited public forums for student speakers at school events using neutral selection criteria, with disclaimers stating student speech does not reflect district endorsement or sponsorship.

Commissioner of education directed to develop and maintain state model policy in consultation with school associations, with procedures for reviewing district compliance and investigating complaints from students, parents, and educators.