ACLU Challenges School's Denial of Excused Absence for Religious Activity

The Merriville Indiana Post Tribune reports today on a law suit by the Indiana Civil Liberties Union against Indiana's Tri-Creek school district attacking the school's excused absence policy. The suit was filed on behalf of the parent of a middle-school student. The student, a member of the United Church of God, attended the church's Festival of the Holy Days. His school issued him 5 unexcused absences and informed his parents that one more unexcused absence could result in his losing class credit or being expelled. The suit seeks to require the school board to change its policy to expand the availability of excused absences. Currently only illness, death of a family member and court appearances are eligible. The suit also asks that the student be permitted to make up work missed during his absences.