"Released-Time Court Act; enact to require school districts to adopt policy to excuse students for religious study.
The implementation of HB1371 is poised to reshape existing attendance laws in Mississippi, particularly the Compulsory School Attendance Law. By incorporating provisions for released-time courses, the legislation introduces a framework that permits students to engage in religious studies without penalizing them for absences from standard school curricula. Moreover, students attending these courses will be considered present, allowing them to receive elective credit for their completed work. This could potentially enhance student engagement and satisfaction among communities that prioritize religious education.
House Bill 1371, known as the 'Released-Time Course Act', mandates local school boards to establish policies that allow students to be excused from school for attendance at released-time courses. These courses, which must be approved by the respective school board, can account for up to three class periods per week or a total of 125 class periods in a school year. For a student to participate, parental consent is required, highlighting the aspect of parental involvement in religious or moral education outside the traditional school setting. This initiative aims to provide students with opportunities for religious instruction while still being recognized as part of their school attendance.
However, the bill is likely to evoke debate regarding the separation of church and state within public education. Critics may raise concerns about the implications of allowing non-certified instructors to teach these courses, particularly around qualified instruction standards and the potential for religious bias in assessments. Furthermore, the exemption for charter and virtual schools may lead to conversations about equal access to educational opportunities. Stakeholders from various educational and religious backgrounds may challenge the balance between supporting religious freedoms and ensuring a neutral educational environment.