Sec. 17. A student must be subtracted under clause (J) of STEP THREE of section 10(a) of this chapter if all of the following occur:

(1) The student’s parent submits to the school the following statements, on forms prescribed by the department, while the student is enrolled in grade 8:

(A) A statement from the parent:

(i) affirming that the parent has a sincerely held religious belief against the taking of a photograph; and

(ii) stating that the student will be withdrawing from school after completing grade 10 in order to allow the student to complete a career pathway certification or due to the parent’s deeply held religious belief.

(B) A statement from a member of the clergy of the religious organization of which the parent is a member regarding the prohibition of photography of members of the religious organization.

(2) The parent provides proof to the school that at least one (1) parent has been issued a photo exempt driver’s license or a photo exempt identification card issued under IC 9-24-16.5.

(3) The student withdraws from school after completing grade 10.

As added by P.L.125-2020, SEC.4.