May a valedictorian offer a prayer at a public school graduation ceremony?
A. Yes. When valedictorians speak on a topic of their choice at their graduation ceremony, they may speak on a religious topic or offer a prayer. Since the school is in no way promoting or sponsoring this religious activity, it is different from cases where the school organizes or allows the student body to organize a graduation prayer. Q. May baccalaureate services include prayers? A. Yes. As long as they are privately led, baccalaureate services which are voluntary and not part of the official graduation ceremonies may constitutionally include prayers and religious sermons. School endorsement of such baccalaureate services is not permitted. Q. Are “moments of silence” constitutional? A. No. Federal courts have determined that “moments of silence” which have either the purpose or effect of promoting prayer are unconstitutional. In a 1985 case, Wallace v. Jaffree, the United States Supreme Court struck down Alabama’s moment of silence statute. Student Religious Clubs — The Equal Acces
