Signed by Governor Jim Justice, Jr.

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits religious discrimination in public schools.

Highlights:

• Prohibits a public school district from discriminating against students or parents on the basis of a religious viewpoint or religious expression and must treat a student’s voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint in the same manner that the district treats a student’s voluntary expression of a secular viewpoint (Article 33, Sec. 18).

• Authorizes a student to express their beliefs about religion in homework, artwork, or any other written or oral assignment free from discrimination and may not be penalized or rewarded on account of the religious content of their work (Article 33, Sec. 18).

• Authorizes a student to engage in prayer or religious expression before, during, and after the school day in the same manner and to the same extent that they may engage in nonreligious activities or expressions (Article 33, Sec. 18).

Full Bill Text