Montana Code 20-7-112. Sectarian publications prohibited — religious materials allowed — prayer permitted
20-7-112. Sectarian publications prohibited — religious materials allowed — prayer permitted. (1) (a) A publication of a sectarian or denominational character may not be distributed in any school. Instruction may not be given advocating sectarian or denominational doctrines.
Terms Used In Montana Code 20-7-112
- Person: includes a corporation or other entity as well as a natural person. See Montana Code 1-1-201
- Pupil: means an individual who is admitted by the board of trustees pursuant to 20-5-101 and who is enrolled in a school established and maintained under the laws of the state at public expense. See Montana Code 20-1-101
- school: means an institution for the teaching of children that is established and maintained under the laws of the state of Montana at public expense. See Montana Code 20-6-501
- Teacher: means a person, except a district superintendent, who holds a valid Montana teacher certificate that has been issued by the superintendent of public instruction under the provisions of this title and the policies adopted by the board of public education and who is employed by a district as a member of its instructional, supervisory, or administrative staff. See Montana Code 20-1-101
(b)This subsection (1) does not prohibit:
(i)a school library from including the Bible or other religious material having cultural, historical, or educational significance;
(ii)a pupil from reading from the Bible or other religious material during free reading time; or
(iii)a student from initiating or participating in a conversation about religion, religious beliefs, or religious practices. with another student or a teacher.
(c)If a school, class, or course has requirements for self-selected reading, a pupil must be allowed to read from the Bible or other religious material to meet those requirements.
(2)Prayer is permitted in a school, on school grounds, and at school-sponsored events, but a person may not be compelled to pray. The school day may begin with a prayer.