5350.10 | Graduation Prayer and Baccalaureates

Under current U.S. Supreme Court decisions, school officials may not mandate or organize prayer at graduation, nor organize religious baccalaureate ceremonies. The District generally opens its facilities to private groups, within limitations, and must make its facilities available on the same terms to organizers of privately sponsored religious baccalaureate services, if facilities for such services are sought. The District may not extend preferential treatment to baccalaureate ceremonies and it may be obligated to disclaim official endorsement of such religious ceremonies. (3-26-02)