Bill > SB223

This bill creates the Religious Rights at Public Schools Act of 2025, which aims to clarify and protect religious freedoms for students and employees in Arkansas public schools and charter schools. The act begins with legislative findings emphasizing that religious freedom is a cornerstone of democracy and an essential part of education. It provides a comprehensive list of religious rights for students, including the ability to pray silently or aloud, form religious clubs, display and discuss religious texts, invite religious leaders, express religious viewpoints in assignments, and conduct religious observances during appropriate times. Similarly, the bill extends these protections to school employees, allowing them to pray during moments of silence, display religious texts, and discuss religious historical documents. Schools are required to provide a copy of the act to all students and employees at the beginning of each school year, either electronically or through handbooks. The legislation explicitly states that these rights are protected under the First Amendment and are meant to be a guide rather than an exhaustive list, with the underlying intent of affirming students' and employees' God-given freedoms in the educational environment. Additionally, the act allows public schools to maintain religious texts in libraries and classrooms and offer academic Bible study courses.

Education

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb223&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R