RUSD BOARD POLICY 6115: CEREMONIES, OBSERVANCES, AND FLAG DISPLAYS
The RUSD Board of Education is committed to maintaining an educational environment
that focuses on academic achievement and the holistic development of all students. To
ensure this goal, the Board proposes to adopt a policy to guide the selection and scope of
school-sponsored events and celebrations. The intent of this policy is to maintain a
patriotic, safe, appropriate, and welcoming environment for all teachers, students,
administrators, staff, parents/guardians and other members of the community.
This policy specifies the District’s schedule of observed holidays, commemorative
exercises, patriotic exercises, the display of American and Californian flags, and guidelines
for miscellaneous events and celebrations. This policy serves to protect children from
ideological and politically divisive observances and practices. The intent of this board is to
maintain a non-exclusionary and welcoming environment for students, staff, and parents.
Furthermore, RUSD will not sponsor, endorse, or facilitate events, celebrations, or
activities either in-person or online that promote or advocate for political, social, or
ideological movements.
I Holidays
District schools shall be closed on the following holidays (Education Code 37220):
New Year's Day: January 1
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Third Monday in January or the Monday or Friday of the
week in which January 15 occurs
Lincoln Day: The Monday or Friday of the week in which February 12 occurs
Washington Day: Third Monday in February
Memorial Day: Last Monday in May
Independence Day: July 4
Labor Day: First Monday in September
Veterans Day: November 11
Thanksgiving Day: The Thursday in November designated by the President
Christmas Day: December 25
Holidays which fall on a Sunday shall be observed the following Monday. Holidays which
fall on a Saturday shall be observed the preceding Friday. If any of the above holidays
occurs under federal law on a date different from that indicated above, the Board of
Trustees may close the schools on the date recognized by federal law instead of on the
date above. (Education Code 37220)
II Commemorative Exercises
District schools shall hold exercises in accordance with law to commemorate special
days of observance in accordance with Education Codes 37220, 37221, and 45460.
III Patriotic Exercises
Each school shall conduct patriotic exercises daily. These patriotic exercises shall
consist of the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance and may also include instruction that
promotes understanding of the concepts of "pledge," "allegiance," "republic," and
"indivisible" and understanding of the importance of the pledge as an expression of
patriotism, love of country, and pride in the United States. (Education Code 52720,
52730)
At elementary schools, such exercises shall be conducted at the beginning of each
school day. (Education Code 52720)
At secondary schools, such exercises shall be conducted during the homeroom period.
Individuals may choose not to participate in the flag salute for personal reasons.
Students not reciting the Pledge of Allegiance shall maintain a respectful attitude and
silence.
IV Display of Flag
The flag of the United States and the flag of California shall be displayed during business
hours at the entrance or on the grounds of every district school and on or near the district
office.
At all times, the national flag shall be placed in the position of first honor. (Government
Code 431, 436; 4 USC 6)
The flag should not be displayed during inclement weather unless an all-weather flag is
used. (4 USC 6)
The national flag shall fly at half-staff on the following occasions (4 USC 7):
For 30 days from the death of the President or a former President
On other occasions by order of the President and in accordance with presidential
instructions or orders
No flag other than the United States of America and State of California may be displayed on
school grounds, unless it is a country, state, or United States military flag used solely for
educational purposes within the adopted curriculum. This includes posters, digital
displays, flyers, and any other related display. Any other flag must be approved by the
Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee prior to displaying if, and only if, it is used
for educational purposes and only during the related instructional period. Exceptions may
be made for displays of school championship flags, flags associated with academic
achievement, and various national flags within classrooms, recreational rooms, or
gymnasiums.
V Miscellaneous Events and Celebrations
Focus on Academics:
School-sponsored events and activities must align with the district's educational goals,
promoting academic excellence, skill development, and civic understanding without
emphasizing or endorsing particular political, social, or religious beliefs. To ensure that all
students, staff, and families feel welcome in our schools, the district staff will follow board
policy 6144 with respect to celebrating or commemorating any events that may be
perceived as divisive, controversial, or exclusive.
Promotion of Inclusivity and Neutrality:
o Celebrations of broadly recognized national and cultural holidays (e.g.,
Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Black History Month) that align with the district's
mission of fostering historical and civic understanding. Reference section I
for comprehensive list and Ed Code 37220
o Events related to core educational themes (e.g., literacy drives, science
fairs, history months) that maintain a neutral and inclusive approach.
Prohibited Activities:
o Promotion or recognition is prohibited by district employees (while acting in
his/her capacity as a representative of the district), volunteers while on
school grounds or school sponsored events, and district social media
platforms, that center on advocacy of political or social agendas, activism,
or ideological and highly controversial positions.
