Religious songs not allowed in New Jersey schools

BORDENTOWN, N.J. — Students won’t be allowed to sing religious holiday songs at concerts in a south-central New Jersey school district.

Bordentown Superintendent Constance J. Bauer issued a statement on Oct. 18 saying that some of the selections were questioned and that “religious music should not be part of the elementary program.”

The statement added that the district solicitor is reviewing the decision, mentioning how the U.S. Supreme Court in 2010 declined to hear an appeal of a similar situation.

The judges said public school administrations can determine which songs are appropriate according to constitutional guidelines to create a secular “inclusive environment.”