CITY of
Item No. %
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: January 13, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Steven Graham Pacifico, City Attorney
SUBJECT: Adoption of an Invocation Policy for City Council Meetings RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopt the proposed Invocation Policy for the City of Yucaipa.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
Invocations have been a longstanding tradition in legislative bodies across the United States, serving to promote solemnity, reflection, and unity before public meetings. The U.S. Supreme Court has consistently upheld the constitutionality of invocations at public meetings, provided they adhere to principles of inclusivity, non -coercion, and neutrality toward religion. Landmark cases have clarified the permissible scope and implementation of legislative invocations under the First Amendment.
The City of Yucaipa seeks to adopt a formal policy to guide the inclusion of invocations at City Council meetings and other official gatherings. This policy is designed to respect the diverse beliefs of the community, promote voluntary participation, and ensure legal compliance. Key provisions of the proposed policy include:
Inclusivity and Respect: Invocations will be non -denominational and reflective of the community's diversity, avoiding language that proselytizes, disparages any faith, or advances a specific religion.
Voluntary Participation: Participation in or attendance at the invocation will be entirely voluntary. No individual's participation or absence will influence official actions or decisions.
Eligibility and Scheduling: The City Clerk will compile a list of eligible speakers, including representatives of religious congregations, spiritual organizations, and secular groups within the City.
Speakers will be scheduled to ensure fairness and diversity.
Guidelines for Content: The content of the invocation will remain at the discretion of the speaker but must align with the principles of inclusivity and respect outlined in the policy.
Legal Compliance: The policy adheres to federal and state legal standards, including the U.S.
Constitution's First Amendment and relevant case law.
The adoption of this policy underscores the City's commitment to fostering an environment of mutual respect and inclusion while honoring the traditions of solemnizing public meetings. It also ensures that the City's practices remain consistent with constitutional principles and legal precedents.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact.
Attachment(s):
1. Proposed Invocation Policy
Approved by:
ATTACHMENT 1
City of Yucaipa
Invocation Policy
I. Purpose.
The City of Yucaipa recognizes the long-standing democratic tradition of legislative bodies of solemnizing through invocations. This policy ensures that invocations before City of Yucaipa events are conducted in a manner consistent with constitutional principles of freedom of religion and non -establishment of religion while providing an opportunity for voluntary participation.
II. Policy Statement.
The City Council may open its meetings with an invocation for the purpose of acknowledging traditions, promoting solemnity, and inviting reflection. Invocations shall be inclusive, voluntary, and respectful of the diversity of beliefs represented within the City of Yucaipa.
III. Scope and Applicability.
This policy applies to all meetings of the City Council as well as meetings of other boards, committees, and commissions of the City of Yucaipa.
IV. Invocation Guidelines.
A. Voluntary Participation. Participation in or attendance for the invocation shall be completely voluntary. No person shall be required to participate, and no official action or decision shall be influenced by an individual's participation, presence, or absence.
B. Non -Denominational and Inclusive. Invocations should not proselytize, disparage any faith, or advance any particular religion. They should strive to be inclusive and respectful of the community's diversity, including individuals of different faiths and those with no religious affiliation.
C. Speaker Eligibility.
1. The City Clerk shall reach out to the [Name of Organization] to compile a list of religious leaders, spiritual representatives, and community members within the City of Yucaipa.
2. Any adult representative of an established religious congregation, spiritual organization, or secular/non-religious group within the City of Yucaipa may request to provide an invocation.
3. Individuals shall be scheduled in a manner that provides for fairness and diversity.
4. The City Clerk will invite individuals through fair and neutral criteria.
5. The City Clerk may also ask for the Chaplain serving the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for the City of Yucaipa to provide the invocation at any meeting.
D. Content of Invocations.
1. The content of the invocation shall be left to the discretion of the speaker, within the boundaries of this policy.
2. The invocation may include a request for reflection, guidance, peace, unity, or solemnity.
3. The City Council shall not review or approve the content of any invocation.
E. No Endorsement. The invocation is not intended to serve as an endorsement or disapproval of any religion, belief, or non -belief by the City of Yucaipa, its City Council, or staff.
V. Procedures.
A. Scheduling Speakers.
1. The City Clerk shall make reasonable efforts to contact and schedule individuals or groups willing to provide an invocation.
2. The City Clerk will maintain a record of scheduled and past speakers.
B. Time for Invocation.
1. The invocation shall take place prior to the official start of the City Council meeting.
2. Speakers shall limit their invocation to no more than 2 minutes.
C. Opt -Out Option. Councilmembers, staff, or attendees may choose to not to participate or step out during the invocation without consequence or stigma.
D. Notification. Prior to each City Council meeting, the meeting agenda shall include notice of the invocation and a statement clarifying the voluntary nature of participation.
VI. Legal Compliance.
This policy shall be implemented in compliance with applicable federal and state law, including but not limited to the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment and relevant case law.
VII. Adoption and Review.
This policy shall be adopted by the City Council and reviewed periodically to ensure continued compliance with legal standards and community needs.