Series 6000: Instruction

6115.11 Graduation Exercises - Prayer

The Board believes that completion of the requirements for a high school diploma from the public schools of the district is an achievement that improves the community as well as the individual. Therefore, the Board shall recognize that achievement in a publicly celebrated graduation exercise.

Accordingly, appropriate graduation programs shall be planned by the administration. The date of the graduation ceremony shall be as indicated in the Board approved school calendar.

The District’s valedictorian(s), salutatorian(s) or others at the discretion of the Building Principal or his/her designee may be permitted to speak as part of the school’s planned graduation program. All such speeches shall be reviewed and approved in advance by the Building Principal

or his/her designee.

All students in good standing who have successfully completed the requirements for graduation may participate in the graduation exercises.

(cf. 6111 - School Calendar)

(cf. 6115 - School Ceremonies and Observances)

(cf. 6146 - Graduation Requirements)

(cf. 6141.2 - Separation of Church and State)

(cf. 6141.21 - Religion in the Public Schools)

Legal Reference:

Connecticut General Statutes

10-16a Silent meditation.

10-15c Discrimination in public schools prohibited.

Lee v. Weisman, 112 S. Ct. 2649 (1992).

Jones v. Clear Creek Independent School District, 977 F. 2d 963 (5th Cir.1992).

Harris v. Joint School District, 41 F.3d 447 (9th Cir. 1994).

American Civil Liberties Union of NJ v. Black Horse Pike Regional Board of Education, 84 F.3d 1471 (3rd Cir. 1996).

Policy adopted: October 15, 2007