606.2 - Ceremonies

The school district will continue school ceremonies and observances which have become a tradition and a custom of the education program.  These include, but are not
limited to, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and observance of holidays, such as Christmas, Halloween and Easter, by programs and performances.  Such ceremonies or
observances will have a secular purpose and will 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.
    
                                    Lee v. Weisman, 112 S.Ct. 2649 (1992).
    
                                    Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971).
    
                                    Graham v. Central Community School District of Decatur County, 608 F.Supp. 531 (S.D. Iowa 1985).
    
                                    Iowa Code § 279.8 (2007).

Cross Reference:  603       Instructional Curriculum
    
                                    604.6    Religious-Based Exclusion From A School Program

Approved     6-20-2011                         
Reviewed   7/18/2016                                                                            
Revised