606.04 - School Ceremonies and Observances

The school district will continue school ceremonies and observances which have become a tradition and a custom to the educational program.  These include, but are not limited to, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and observance of legal holidays, such as Christmas, by programs and performances.  Such ceremonies or observances shall have a secular purpose and shall not advocate or sponsor a particular religion.

Students who do not wish to participate in these activities may be silent during the ceremony or observance, or receive permission from the principal to be excused from the ceremony for religious reasons, in compliance with board policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  U.S. Const. Amend. I.
                                      Lemon v Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602, 91 S.Ct. 2105 (1971).
                                      Graham v Central Community School District of Decatur County, 608 F.
                                      Supp. 531 (Iowa 1985).
                                      Iowa code §279.8 (1991).

Cross Reference:  603    Instructional Curriculum
                                       604.6 Religion-Based Exclusion From a School Program

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised: