Prayer and devotional readings continued in isolated cases, and often stopped only after school officials were threatened with legal action, or actually challenged with a suit. There is growing evidence, though, that the baccalaureate ceremony may be making a comeback, encouraged partly by faith-based groups seeking to add a religious component to the secular rite of passage known as graduation. It is a trend that puts schools in the awkward position of possibly encouraging religious observance, and it could end up eroding protections of students and parents who may feel pressured into practices contrary to their own convictions. They may not spend money on such exercises, or give the appearance of actively endorsing or promoting the event. Teachers and school officials may not pressure students into attending a baccalaureate service, nor can they punish students who refuse to participate.
Most baccalaureates take place off campus in a neighborhood church or hall.
In Lockhard, Texas for instance, the local high school web site was used to promote the 1998 baccalaureate service held at a local Methodist Church. Atheist and separationist parents, and students, cannot be compelled to support or attend religious baccalaureate events. Johnson meets with Pakistan embassy official, calls for freedom for Dr. Shaikh. Inc. All rights reserved.