But according to The Seattle Times, concerns have been raised over that particular gathering. The newspaper reports that Melissa Jones -- a Christian parent -- challenges the idea that a spiritual leader can "deliver a completely secular message," as the schools and organizers say the exiled leader will. Another parent, Becky Tilev, tells the Times it is unfair that the district tiptoes around her Christian faith, yet appears to have no problems busing students in to hear the leader of another religion. And she feels uncomfortable that the Dalai Lama will be introduced as "his holiness."

Hiram Sasser, the director of litigation with the Liberty Legal Institute, says there is no cause for concern -- at least legally. The attorney points out that U.S. Supreme Court rulings have made it clear that school buses and government buses can be used to transport children to religious education and activity.