The Wyoming Educational Religious Freedom Act aims to prohibit sectarian instruction and practices in public educational institutions. The bill defines "sectarian" as any educational framework that mandates specific beliefs, requires emotional disclosure, enforces particular viewpoints, or imposes predetermined moral frameworks. It establishes a clear set of prohibited practices, including mandatory participation in identity-focused activities and the implementation of equity-based grading systems. The act emphasizes the importance of maintaining religious neutrality in public education and protecting students' rights of conscience, while also ensuring that educational institutions can provide academic instruction on historical or scientific concepts without infringing on these principles.
To enforce compliance, the bill outlines the responsibilities of educational institutions and the state board of education, including the establishment of written policies, annual compliance reports, and a complaint process for parents or guardians. Penalties for violations include corrective action plans, changes in accreditation status, and potential oversight by the state department of education. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and aims to uphold the Wyoming constitution's prohibition of sectarian instruction in public schools while respecting diverse community values.