Pagan EdNet was founded because of a student's necklace. This guide explains the rights of Pagan students, parents, and school employees in public schools, and how to resolve problems at the lowest level possible.
Legal Information, Not Legal Advice
This page describes the law in general terms. It is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, consult an attorney licensed in your state.
The Basic Rule
Public schools are part of the government, so the First Amendment applies to them. A public school must be neutral toward religion. It may not promote religion or any particular religion, and it may not show hostility toward religion or any particular religion. Within that neutral setting, students keep their own right to religious expression.
What Students May Do
- Wear religious symbols. A student may wear a pentacle or other religious jewelry on the same terms as students who wear the symbols of other religions. A dress code must be applied evenly.
- Express religious views. Students may talk about their religion with classmates, and may refer to it in homework, artwork, and discussion where it is relevant. The work is graded on ordinary academic standards.
- Pray or meditate privately. A student may do so during free time in a way that does not disrupt school.
- Read religious books during free reading time, as other students may.
- Form a club. Under the Equal Access Act, a public secondary school that receives federal funds and permits student clubs unrelated to the curriculum must give a student-led religious club the same access to meeting space and announcements.
- Be excused for holy days. State law and district policy govern excused absences. Most districts excuse absence for religious observance on a parent's written request, and the policy must be applied to all religions alike.
- Decline religious activity. A student may not be required to take part in prayer or worship, and may not be penalized for declining.
What Schools May and May Not Do
| A public school may | A public school may not |
|---|---|
| Teach about religions, including Pagan religions, in an objective and academic way | Teach that any religion is true or false, or ridicule any religion |
| Enforce a dress code that applies equally to all students | Ban a pentacle while permitting other religious jewelry |
| Limit student speech that substantially disrupts school | Silence a student because others dislike the student's religion |
| Require notice and make-up work for religious absences | Excuse absences for some religions and not for others |
| Ask about a symbol when there is a real safety concern | Treat a religious symbol as a gang sign or a threat without evidence |
Bullying and Harassment
Every state has a law or policy requiring schools to address bullying, and most district policies name religion among the grounds they cover. A school that knows a student is being bullied because of religion is expected to act.
If your child is being bullied:
- Listen, and write down what your child tells you: what happened, where, when, and who saw it.
- Report it in writing to the teacher or counselor and ask what will be done and by when.
- If it continues, write to the principal and refer to the district's anti-bullying policy by name.
- Keep copies of everything, and follow up in writing after any meeting.
Resolving a Problem
Most school problems the Rights Desk sees are solved at the first or second step below.
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Start with the person closest to the problem
Ask for a short meeting with the teacher. Assume good intentions. Bring a copy of a Plain Facts fact sheet and of A Guide for Educators.
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Go to the principal
If the matter is not settled, write to the principal. State the facts, name the policy involved, and say what you are asking for.
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Write to the district
Every district has a superintendent and a procedure for complaints. Use it, and keep to its deadlines.
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Ask for help
The Rights Desk can review your letter, supply an educational letter for the school, and refer you to an attorney or agency if needed.
Questions Parents Often Ask
Should I tell the school that we are Pagan?
It is your choice. Some families prefer privacy. Others find that a brief, friendly note to the teacher at the start of the year prevents misunderstanding. If your child will be absent for holy days, you will need to tell the school that the absences are religious.
My child was told that her religion is not real. What should I do?
If a classmate said it, treat it as a matter for the teacher. If a teacher or other employee said it, write to the principal. School employees must not disparage a student's religion.
What about seasonal activities?
Schools may hold seasonal activities that are not religious. Classroom materials that show witches as wicked or frightening can be hurtful to children whose families use that word for themselves. A quiet word with the teacher usually leads to a thoughtful adjustment.
Can my teenager start a Pagan student club?
In a public secondary school that allows other clubs unrelated to the curriculum, generally yes, on the same terms as those clubs. The club must be led by students, and the usual rules about sponsors and meeting times apply.
Teachers and Other School Employees
School employees are protected from religious discrimination in the same way as other workers. See In the Workplace. A teacher may wear modest religious jewelry where other teachers may do so. Because teachers speak for the school when they are teaching, they may not promote their own religion to students, and the same rule applies to teachers of every faith.
Private Schools and Home Education
Private schools are generally not bound by the First Amendment. Their obligations come from their enrollment contract, their handbook, and state law. Read these documents closely before enrolling. Families who educate their children at home are governed by the home education law of their state, which may not impose different requirements on the basis of religion.
Reviewed by the Legal Advisory Panel in September 2026.