In the district I work, as long as it's after school hours, and there is a teacher who is willing to be the supervisor (not involved, but to make sure that nothing is going on, and this is for any after school activity that students want to start), our district is not allowed to deny them access.

Same goes to groups that want to use the school facilities as a meeting place.
Boy Scouts (and they do pray, so I'd consider that a religious group)
Girl Scouts
4-H
Latino groups (yes, it can be by race/ethnicity as well)

What about the moment of silence that some places do after the Pledge to Allegiance? Many say that's used for silent prayer.

Come to think of it, when our district ran out of space in the schools, and needed to build additions or totally renovate schools, many of our kindergarten classes were moved to local church basements and classroom areas for the entire school year.

Do I agree with the collaboration between religious and ethnic and whatever else groups and our district? Not really, but then again, I'm not in charge and I don't make the rules. What does have to be taken into consideration is that when you have a large part of your district that is in poverty and student groups need places that are safe to meet, where can they go? Many schools are used in that way.


When I was in 6th grade it was 1982. We weren't that progressive here in PA at that time, lol. I think the girls got a sex talk in 8th grade, and that was about the extent of it. At least where I grew up (Poconos).