11005 - Opening Remarks to Begin Piute School Board Meeting

Introduction:

The Utah Supreme Court determined December 10, 1993 that there is no absolute ban on government expenditure of public funds or use of public property in support of religion; “The practice of opening a meeting with generic remarks that may include citizens choosing to perform a religious activity such as prayer, does not violate the state Constitution of certain rules are met.”

The purpose of this policy is to outline pertinent rules for the opening of school board meetings that conform to the determinations of the Utah Supreme Court.

Rules:

1.Opening remarks including a welcome of any visitors to school board meetings will be under the direction of the School Board President.  If the president is not present the opening remarks will be under the direction of the School Board Vice President.

2.The School Board President will ask for a reverence from one of the school board members or one of the officers of the school board.  No restrictions will be placed on the reverence.

3.The reverence must provide public benefit on a non-discriminatory basis and be equally accessible to all.  For example, a prayer, a soft musical rendition, a serious poem, or a moment of silence brings the meeting to order and establishes a quiet, business-like mood which is beneficial to all.