The Chariton Community 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, Thansgiving and Easter, 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. Constitution amendment 1. Lee v. Weisman 112 S. Ct. 2649 (1992). Lemon v. Kurtzman 403 U.S. 602 (1971). Graham v. Central Decatur CSD 608 F. Supp. 531 (S.D. Iowa 1985). Iowa Code 279.8 (2003). Cross Reference: 603 Instructional Curriculum 604.5 Religious-Based Exclusion form a School Program Approved Jan. 14, 2004 Reviewed March 11, 2019 Revised March 11, 2019