Illinois joins “moment of silence” states
- Nov 12, 2007 - 2
On October 11, 2007, Illinois became the eleventh state to pass a law making it mandatory for public schools to observe a “moment of silence” at the beginning of each day.
In a 74-37 vote, the House overrode Gov. Blagojevich’s veto of the legislation, which he believes encourages school prayer and therefore crosses the boundaries of the separation of church and state.
Supporters of the legislation, however, disagree. “This was never about trying to require prayer in the schools,” explained Rep. Will Davis (D-Homewood), chief sponsor of the bill, in the Christian Post (October 16, 2007). “This is a way for teachers and students to [start] their day off in the right way.”
Prior to this bill, the state of Illinois already gave schools the option of having a moment of silence. The new legislation, however, requires all schools to participate.
As the new law states: “In each public school classroom the teacher in charge shall observe a brief period of silence with the participation of all the pupils therein assembled at the opening of every school day. This period shall not be conducted as a religious exercise but shall be an opportunity for silent prayer or for silent reflection on the anticipated activities of the day.”
The first state to pass this type of mandatory legislation was Virginia in 2000. While the legislation faced heated legal battles from parents claiming the law was aimed at bringing prayer back to the school system, it was eventually upheld by the U.S. District Court, which found the bill’s language left the “moment of silence” open to be used for a number of activities other than prayer.
Many states soon followed, including Texas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Nevada, among others. Most of these states observe a minute of silent time at the beginning of each day, while some pair it with the Pledge of Allegiance. In Texas, the Pledge to the Texas flag is also included.
In addition to the eleven states that currently mandate the moment of silence, 23 other states have passed laws that give schools the option of observing it.
Upon the bill’s passage in Illinois on October 11, the law became effective immediately, and schools across the state were quickly notified of the new legislation by the state board of education.
With no guidelines specified in the new law, each school district had the opportunity to shape the way their students would observe the moment of silence.
Mark Laster, principal of Anna Community Consolidated School District #37 in Anna, Illinois, told Faith & Family Values that his school’s administration decided to add the moment of silence to their “morning message,” which includes a short statement on positive behavior and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. This is conducted in two large groups, one in each of their buildings.
For Anna students, the moment of silence varies in time between the two groups: 15 seconds for kindergarten through second grade and 30 seconds for third through eighth grade. During this time, students are expected to remain silent and seated. So far, teachers have also been participating, along with the administration when they are available.
While the moment of silence has only just begun, Laster already sees the benefit of having this daily observance for students. “Many students live chaotic lives,” he explained. “They are busy from the time they get up until their head hits the pillow at night. Perhaps taking a few moments of silence each day, whether it be for prayer or simply to clear their minds, will help them see the benefit of taking time each day to slow down, relax and enjoy life.”
In addition to giving students a chance to slow down, Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Marywood), chairman of the Senate Education Committee and a supporter of the bill, told the Chicago Tribune (October 12, 2007) that this moment of silence could also give students time to grapple with personal issues they’re facing or even build up the courage to stop classmates from carrying out violent acts, such as the shooting that recently took place at a school in Cleveland, Ohio.
Despite such benefits, many critics of the legislation worry that schools will face problems implementing the moment of silence. At this point, there are no penalties spelled out in the law for students who refuse to participate. Sponsors of the bill explained that it would take some time for such guidelines to be put in place.
As for its ability to encourage the lost, Laster doubts the moment of silence will have much impact. He believes the observance could bring encouragement to believers, however. “My hope is that Christian children would realize that because of their relationship with Jesus Christ, they can pray whenever they want, and that it doesn’t have to become a ‘political’ issue.”
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comments
1 On Nov 17th, 2007, at 8:54am, Ray and Charlene wrote:
In a world of people constantly rushing from one place to the next, a time of silence and stillness is a welcome event. I wish we could all participate - especially on the highway.
2 On Jan 6th, 2008, at 8:39pm, Jenny wrote:
I’m a student affected by this law, and I would like to point out that in most places it is not observed, and where it is observed, it is not effective. The moment of silence in our school last around 5-10 seconds, and, from classroom to classroom, the level of observance differs. Many students sit and do nothing during their moment of silence, while others talk, finish homework, or play with various electronic gadgets. It is seen by many teachers as a waste of time, as most students do not view the law seriously.