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State-By-State Analysis |
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Released Time Laws and Guidelines for
District of Columbia
Updated July 2009
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SUMMARY for District of Columbia
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General Information
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The District of Columbia, like many states does not have specific laws regarding Released Time. However, this does not necessarily prohibit Released Time. In fact, it may allow a wider range of Released Time programs. Since the District of Columbia does not have specific laws regarding Released Time, a Released Time program in the District of Columbia would fall subject to the federal guideposts presented in McCollum v. Board of Education, 333 U.S. 203 (1948), Zorach v. Clauson, 343 U.S. 306 (1952), and Grand Rapids School District v. Ball, 473 U.S. 373 (1985).
In summary, the above cases present three general requirements for Released Time programs: 1) The state cannot fund Released Time directly or indirectly. This prohibits not only funds themselves but also any support or benefit from anything purchased or anyone compensated by state funds; 2) Released Time programs cannot take place on school premises; and 3) Participation in Released Time programs must be voluntary. There cannot be any coercion, encouragement, or discouragement on the part of any school official. However, these three points are not exclusive. One should conduct thorough research on the latest federal and state case law to see whether your state or federal circuit has its own case law supplementing the requirements in McCollum, Zorach, and Ball.
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Department of Education Website
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Children First Information and Referral Center
DC Public Schools
Website: http://www.k12.dc.us/dcps/
DC Education Center: http://educationcenter.dc.gov/ec/site/
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DETAILS for District of Columbia
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Statutes
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The District of Columbia compulsory education law requires every parent or guardian of a minor older than five years to old to enroll the minor in public, private, independent, or parochial schooling or private instruction. (D.C. CODE § 38-202)
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Regulations
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While the statutes do not specifically provide for Released Time, the D.C. Municipal Regulations might. § 2101.3(i) states that an "absence(s) approved in advance by the principal upon the written request of a parent, guardian, or adult student" constitutes a valid reason to miss school. (D.C. MUN. REGS. tit., 5, § 2101.3)
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