MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Representative Clark

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO INCLUDE AN ACADEMIC BIBLE COURSE IN THEIR CURRICULUM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. The school board of a local school district, in its discretion, may authorize the schools in that district to include in their curriculum an academic Bible course designed to teach students about the Bible. The instruction in any Bible course offered in the public schools must be objective, nonjudgmental, academic, neutral, balanced and fair and may not be sectarian, proselytizing or advocating the practice of religion or any particular religious belief. School districts authorizing a Bible course shall take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that teachers of the Bible course understand the distinction between advocacy, proselytizing and the practice of religion and teaching about the Bible in an objective, nonjudgmental, academic, neutral, balanced and fair manner. The participation of students in any academic Bible course offered in the public schools must be voluntary.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2000.