Ballot Title Setting Board
2003-2004

The title as designated and fixed by the Board is as follows:

An amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning voluntary student-initiated religious activities at public school graduation or commencement ceremonies, and, in connection therewith, stating that student-initiated religious activities (such as a prayer, invocation, benediction, song, or poem) at such ceremonies shall not be an unconstitutional use of public property; stating that nothing in the state or federal constitution shall be construed to prohibit voluntary student-initiated religious activities at such public school ceremonies when such religious activities are not encouraged, suggested, or promoted by any school personnel; prohibiting any interpretation of this amendment that conflicts with existing state or federal law; and specifying that student-initiated religious activities on public school property during graduation ceremonies shall not be construed to indicate government support, approval, or sanction of the contents of such activities or as the promotion or establishment of or the preference for any religious belief or religion.

The ballot title and submission clause as designated and fixed by the Board is as follows:

Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning voluntary student-initiated religious activities at public school graduation or commencement ceremonies, and, in connection therewith, stating that student-initiated religious activities (such as a prayer, invocation, benediction, song, or poem) at such ceremonies shall not be an unconstitutional use of public property; stating that nothing in the state or federal constitution shall be construed to prohibit voluntary student-initiated religious activities at such public school ceremonies when such religious activities are not encouraged, suggested, or promoted by any school personnel; prohibiting any interpretation of this amendment that conflicts with existing state or federal law; and specifying that student-initiated religious activities on public school property during graduation ceremonies shall not be construed to indicate government support, approval, or sanction of the contents of such activities or as the promotion or establishment of or the preference for any religious belief or religion?

Hearing September 17, 2003

Single subject approved; staff draft amended; titles set.
Hearing adjourned 3:55 p.m.

Hearing October 1, 2003

Motion for Rehearing denied.
Hearing adjourned 3:15 p.m.

* Unofficially captioned "Religious Activities at Graduation Ceremonies" by legislative staff for tracking purposes. Such caption is not part of the titles set by the Board.