Policy 107: Religious Expression
Pursuant to SF 2231, the Iowa Department of Education was charged with developing the following model policy that satisfies the requirements of SF 2231 passed in 2026.
I. Leadership and Staff Notification
It is the policy of East Buchanan Community School District that the superintendent shall annually distribute the most recent version of the “Guidance on Constitutionally Protected Prayer and Religious Expression” produced by the U.S. Department of Education, and distributed by the Iowa Department of Education, to each [for school districts: board member, principal, and teacher (including making available to substitute and student teachers)/for charter schools: governing board member and teacher (including making available to substitute teachers and student teachers)]. [A principal of a charter school is required to distribute the guidance to each member of the governing board and teacher of the charter school.]
II. Constitutionally Protected Prayer
It is the policy of East Buchanan Community School District to allow students and staff to engage in constitutionally protected prayer within the district schools consistent with applicable statutory or case law pertaining to the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Accordingly, no board policy will prevent, or otherwise deny participation in, constitutionally protected prayer in district schools, consistent with federal law.
III. Grading Standards
It is the policy of East Buchanan Community School District that religious content in student assignments will be evaluated using the same academic grading standards applied to secular work.
IV. Student Organizations
It is the policy of the East Buchanan Community School District that religious student organizations have the same rights, access to facilities, and institutional support as secular student clubs.
V. Professional Development
It is the policy of the East Buchanan Community School District to offer professional development opportunities to each employee of the school district or charter school regarding constitutionally protected prayer and religious expression in public elementary and secondary schools.
VI. Concerns
Concerns may be directed to the district civil rights coordinator.
SF 2231 further explains, when a school district adopts the DE's model policy, the district will be deemed to have satisfied all requirements of SF 2231 related to those topics.
Iowa Code § 279.89
Adopted: October 14, 2026