Ohio creates religious expression days in schools

(WKBN) — Gov. Mike DeWine signed a new bill into law on Wednesday regarding religious expression days in schools, also known as the R.E.D. Act.

House Bill 214 ‘s passage requires each public school in Ohio to adopt a policy that “reasonably accommodates the sincerely held religious beliefs and practices of students; to require each public school to adopt a policy regarding certain expectations related to the performance of staff member professional duties.”

The policies are to permit students from kindergarten through 12th grade to be absent for up to three religious expression days.

According to the bill, school principals “shall approve such requests without inquiry into the sincerity of a student’s religious or spiritual belief system.” However, they can request verification of a parent or guardian’s signature on the absence excuse.

Schools have 90 days from Wednesday to create and adopt their new policy.

The bill is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

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