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Pittsburgh Public Schools Board of Directors

PPS Board revises religious exemptions to include “moral beliefs.”

Written by Annabelle Chipps

The Pittsburgh Public Schools board amended the district’s existing religious opt-out guidelines for parents to include “moral beliefs” during its April legislative meeting.  

The policy reads: “...parents/guardians have the right to have their children excused from specific instruction that conflicts with their sincerely held religious and/or moral beliefs.” It notes students who opt-out of a lesson will be given an alternative assignment.

A redlined copy of the policy shows the “sincerely held” and “and/or moral” portions are new. It also specifies parents must submit a written request that now must outline the specific reason for the exemption.

Another change is that PPS must notify students and their families about a possibly controversial lesson at least three weeks before it starts.

“I worry that the way that this is worded puts an undue burden on our teachers,” Director Emma Yourd of Beechview said of the notification.

Director Eva Diodati of Carrick replied that she believes the burden should — and will — fall on parents.

The change passed in a 6-2 vote. Yourd and Director Yael Silk of Squirrel Hill North voted against the change. Director Tracey Reed of Greenfield, was absent from the meeting.

The exemption guidelines were first adopted in 2009 and were last revised in 2011, according to the redlined copy.

Board Solicitor Ira Weiss said during Wednesday’s meeting that the guidelines have always existed in some capacity. He also said federal and state courts tend to rule in favor of parental rights.

Connections to this story

Elected officials:
Tracey ReedEva DiodatiEmma YourdYael Silk
Topics:
Education
Governments:
Pittsburgh Public Schools Board of Directors
Public meetings:
Legislative Session · April 29, 2026

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