Mississippi § 37-12-5 - Religious expression in class assignments.

Full text of Mississippi Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 37-12-5 — Religious expression in class assignments., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 37-12-5. Religious expression in class assignments.

Students may express their beliefs about religion in homework, artwork, and other written and oral assignments free from discrimination based on the religious content of their submissions. Homework and classroom assignments must be judged by ordinary academic standards of substance and relevance and against other legitimate pedagogical concerns identified by the school district. Students may not be penalized or rewarded on account of the religious content of their work. If an assignment requires a student’s viewpoint to be expressed in coursework, artwork or other written or oral assignments, a public school shall not penalize or reward a student on the basis of religious content or a religious viewpoint. In such an assignment, a student’s academic work that expresses a religious viewpoint shall be evaluated based on ordinary academic standards of substance and relevance to the course curriculum or requirements of the coursework or assignment.

Source: official Mississippi text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi § 37-12-5

What does Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 37-12-5 cover?

Section 37-12-5 ("Religious expression in class assignments.") is part of the Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated, the codified statutory law of Mississippi. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Mississippi § 37-12-5?

A common citation format is "Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 37-12-5" (Mississippi). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Mississippi law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Mississippi official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Mississippi attorney.

How does Mississippi § 37-12-5 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Mississippi can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Mississippi.