Charlotte County School Board Chairwoman Andrea Messina and other educators said they were cautious about a bill passed by the state Senate on Wednesday that would authorize school boards to adopt a policy allowing “inspirational messages” at student events.

The bill, which passed with a 31-8 vote, stated its intent to “provide students the opportunity for formal or ceremonious observance of an occasion or event.” It originally provided examples of an inspirational message as “prayers of invocation or benediction.” The description was removed from the final bill, which now does not provide any definition of an inspirational message.