FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 12, 2011 Contact: Kirsten Bokenkamp, Senior Communications Strategist, ACLU Foundation of Texas

(713) 942-8146 x 109 or (832) 691-7013; kbokenkamp@aclutx.org

ACLU Of Texas Questions Change In DISD Neutrality Policy On Graduation Venues

Commencement In Sectarian Settings Could Lead To Legal Challenges
HOUSTON -- The ACLU of Texas today demanded that the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) provide information regarding a proposed policy change that would allow public schools to hold commencement exercises in churches and other religious buildings even if non-sectarian venues are available. Existing policy provides that the superintendent may permit commencement ceremonies to take place in religious buildings if a religious site is the only location available. The policy requires the superintendent to document reasonable efforts to find a non-religious site in writing. The current policy appears to be designed to ensure all students, their family members, and faculty and school administrators can celebrate commencement without the discomfort or distraction of being in a sectarian religious environment, said Rebecca Robertson, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy. It is difficult to understand why DISD is considering taking the unusual step of retracting this neutral policy, especially when theres no evidence, that we know of, that the District has experienced problems identifying appropriate commencement locations. In its request, the ACLU of Texas asked the District to provide, among other things, cost information for all commencement exercises and other offsite events for the last five school years; information about any complaints received from parents, students, or school personnel about the location of commencement exercises; and information about what prompted the District to consider this policy change. DISD should tread cautiously in this area, warned Lisa Graybill, Legal Director. The current policy provides a safeguard to ensure commencement exercises are held in appropriate, non-sectarian locations where all students, their families, and school personnel feel equally comfortable. Changing the policy could ultimately result in a constitutional challenge and costly litigation. ###