Title 17. Education

Chapter 10. Institutions of Learning in General

Part II. Miscellaneous Provisions

Subpart B. Unrelated Matters

17:2115.11        Prayer; student-initiated; conditions

A. Upon the request of any public school student or students, the proper school authorities may permit students to gather for prayer in a classroom, auditorium, or other space that is not in use, at any time before the school day begins when the school is open and students are allowed on campus, at any time after the school day ends provided that at least one student club or organization is meeting at that time, or at any noninstructional time during the school day. A school employee may be assigned to supervise the gathering if such supervision is also requested by the student or students and the school employee volunteers to supervise the gathering. If a school employee present to supervise the gathering chooses, he may quietly bow his head during a student-led, student-initiated prayer so that the employee may treat the students’ religious beliefs and practices with deference and respect. 

B. Any school employee may attend and participate in the gathering if it occurs before the employee’s work day begins or after the employee’s work day ends. 

C. Any parent may attend the gathering if the parent adheres to school procedures for approval of visitors on the school campus. 

D. The students may invite persons from the community to attend and participate in the gathering if other school organizations and clubs are allowed to make similar invitations. Such persons shall adhere to school procedures for approval of visitors on the school campus. 

Added by Acts 2013, No. 286, § 1. Amended by Acts 2018, No. 673, § 1, eff. June 1, 2018.