California —
The Los Angeles Unified School District affirmed secular students’ rights not to participate in religious assignments going forward after FFRF pointed out the exclusive nature of a Day of the Dead lesson.
A district parent reported that from October to November 2025, Broadway Elementary School was instructing their first-graders about Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and required students to participate in crafting an “ofrenda,” an altar to deceased family members.
The student was given a flyer that explained “Families believe the spirits of their loved ones return to the world of the living for a brief time to visit their families,” and that “Offerings are made to the spirits, including their favorite foods, drinks and personal items, to help guide and nourish them on their journey.”
The parent stated that their child was confused and did not comprehend the spiritual meaning behind creating the altars, and they had to explain to their child that the traditions the school was teaching were not practices the family believed in.
FFRF Staff Attorney Sammi Lawrence wrote to the district, which then worked to provide a more inclusive and welcoming environment for students. “District policy allows students to opt out of extracurricular or noninstructional activities that may conflict with religious or personal beliefs,” Chief Administrative & Education Counsel My I. Huynh wrote. “In the event that an opt out is requested, school administrators are to ensure that an alternate activity is provided as a form of accommodation. Parents can be notified ahead of time to ensure that they have ample time to request any accommodation.” Huynh also ensured that school administrators were instructed that if religious themes were to be included in lessons going forward, they must be presented in a neutral and objective manner, and be directly related to sound secular educational goals.
