KRS 156.162: Elective course on religious scripture -- Purpose -- Restrictions --

Inclusion of course standards in program of studies.

(1) Pursuant to KRS 156.160, the Kentucky Board of Education shall promulgate

administrative regulations to establish the courses of study for the different

grades. The administrative regulation that sets forth the required and elective

courses for the schools shall include:

(a) An elective social studies course on the Hebrew Scriptures, Old

Testament of the Bible;

(b) An elective social studies course on the New Testament of the Bible; or

(c) An elective social studies course on the Hebrew Scriptures and the New

Testament of the Bible.

(2) The purpose of a course under this section is to:

(a) Teach students 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; and

(b) Familiarize students with, as applicable:

1. The contents of the Hebrew Scriptures or New Testament;

2. The history of the Hebrew Scriptures or New Testament;

3. The literary style and structure of the Hebrew Scriptures or New

Testament; and

4. The influence of the Hebrew Scriptures or New Testament on law,

history, government, literature, art, music, customs, morals, values,

and culture.

(3) A student shall not be required to use a specific translation as the sole text of

the Hebrew Scriptures or New Testament and may use as the basic textbook a

different translation of the Hebrew Scriptures or New Testament from that

chosen by the school council.

(4) The Kentucky Department of Education shall include the course standards in

the program of studies for Kentucky schools, including the teacher

qualifications and required professional development.

(5) A course offered under this section shall follow applicable law and all federal

and state guidelines in maintaining religious neutrality and accommodating the

diverse religious views, traditions, and perspectives of students in the school. A

course under this section shall not endorse, favor, or promote, or disfavor or

show hostility toward, any particular religion or nonreligious faith or religious

perspective. The Kentucky Board of Education, in complying with this section,

shall not violate any provision of the United States Constitution or federal law,

the Kentucky Constitution or any state law, or any administrative regulations of

the United States Department of Education or the Kentucky Department of

Education.