Requires Commissioner of Education to develop guidance on accommodations for certain students fasting for religious or medical reasons.*
What changed between versions
The bill now applies to all public school students (not just high school) who are fasting for any religious or medical reason, rather than only high school students observing Ramadan.
Added limitations: the guidance cannot alter state graduation requirements (unless via IEP or other law), cannot preclude a student from meeting local graduation requirements due to accommodations, and cannot require additional schoolwork as a result of accommodations.
Removed the direct student right to substitute PE with an instructional course or study hall, the written notice requirement to the principal, and the guarantee of equivalent graduation credits.
Removed the right for student-athletes to be excused from interscholastic sports, intramural sports, or cheerleading during Ramadan, and the prohibition on coaches penalizing students who opt out.
Requires the Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, to develop and distribute guidance to public schools on accommodations for fasting students.
Guidance must include recommendations on PE flexibility, athletic participation, examinations, differentiated instruction, strategies to protect academic standing, parent communication, and professional development for staff.
The Department of Education must make the guidance publicly available on its website within one year of the effective date.
Changed the statutory supplement from chapters 35 and 40 of Title 18A to chapter 6 of Title 18A, and removed the provision that the act would first apply to the first full academic year after enactment.
