Source: Star-Telegram
http://www.star-telegram.com/news/story/202191.html
FORT WORTH -- Trustees unanimously approved a first reading of a policy Tuesday that creates limited public forums at which students can express their personal religious opinions and calls for districtwide, uniform rules about who can speak at high school events.
The school board voted 9-0 in favor of the policy, which won't be official until a second reading and another vote.
Superintendent Melody Johnson said the district has always respected the right of students to express themselves as long as that doesn't interfere with instruction. But state law requires the district to set up a limited public forum. "We have to comply with the law," Johnson said.
School districts are grappling with implementation of a new state law meant to create more opportunities for students to express religious viewpoints in public schools. The Religious Viewpoints Antidiscrimination Act, which the Legislature passed this year, gives districts until Sept. 1 to adopt a policy designating school events where a public forum will be available.