Tennessee Governor Signs Bill On Religion In Schools

As reported by CBN, on April 10 Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslem signed HB 3266 into law. The bill makes two changes in Tennessee law regarding religion in schools. In reaction to Cheatham County's 2010 settlement of a lawsuit involving religious activities in schools (ACLU summary), the bill prohibits local education agencies and school administrators from taking any action that would infringe the rights or freedoms of students, teachers or staff without their written consent.An amendment to the bill that also passed provides that:

LEAs [Local Education Agencies] and school administrators may not prohibit personnel from participating in religious activities on school grounds that are initiated by students at reasonable times before or after the instructional day so long as such activities are voluntary for all parties and do not conflict with the responsibilities or assignments of such personnel.