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 (2003 2009).

Cross Reference:                  603    Instructional Curriculum

                                              604.5  Religious-Based Exclusion From A School Program

Approved:  07/21/2005

Reviewed:  06/16/2005, 06/17/2010, 10/16/2014, 08/15/2019

Revised: