NASHVILLE (AP) - A measure to allow teachers and other school workers to participate in prayer groups and other religious activities on school grounds has been signed by the governor.
Gov. Bill Haslam signed the legislation this week. It allows school personnel to participate in such activities as long as they don't carry into the classroom or conflict with the assignments of the participant.
The activities must also be student-initiated and be held before or after school. The amendment clarifies that teachers can attend events in cases where a school may rent out its facilities to a church or faith-based organization.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee has said that events outside of school hours such as "See You at the Pole" are permissible under certain conditions, but public school employees must prevent the impression of endorsing religion.