§ 17:282 — History and literature of the Bible; high schools

§282. History and literature of the Bible; high schools
A. Each public school governing authority may offer an elective high school course
in the history and literature of the Bible for the purposes of:
(1) Providing students with knowledge of biblical content, characters, poetry, and
narratives that are prerequisites to understanding contemporary society and culture, including
literature, art, music, mores, oratory, and public policy.
(2) Familiarizing students with the content, history, and structure of the Bible and
the influence of the Bible on law, history, government, literature, art, music, customs, morals,
values, and culture.
B. If such a course is offered:
(1) No student shall be required to use a particular translation of the Bible as the
textbook for the course.
(2) The course shall maintain religious neutrality and accommodate diverse religious
views, traditions, and perspectives.
(3) The course shall not endorse, promote, favor, disfavor, or show hostility toward
any particular religion or any nonreligious perspective.
C. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall adopt rules in
accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act for the implementation of this Section.
D. In carrying out the provisions of this Section, neither the State Board of
Elementary and Secondary Education nor any public school governing authority shall violate
any provision of the United States Constitution or any federal law, the Constitution of
Louisiana or any state law, or any regulation of the United States Department of Education.

Legislative History

Acts 2023, No. 215, §2.