Illinois mandates “moment of silence” in schools
In a move critics call the first step down a slippery slope to prayer in schools, the Illinois House overrode a gubernatorial veto and put into law a state mandated “moment of silence” effective immediately:
The requirement, effective immediately, doesn’t contain any penalty for teachers who don’t adhere to the mandate. Nonetheless, the issue drew sharp ideological debate on the House floor, where critics said it was an incremental attempt to force prayer in schools.
“Let’s face it: That’s what this is about… to many who are pushing this,’” said Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie.
Proponents of the measure say it has nothing to do with religion, but is just meant to allow teachers and students to reflect on the coming school day.
“Our children today are bombarded by noise,” said Rep. Monique Davis, D-Chicago, a supporter of the measure. The idea of the legislation, she said, is “to just have a moment in a child’s life where he or she can be guaranteed a moment of silence. We don’t want to give them that?”
Ms. Davis, you’re not “giving” our children anything, you’re forcing it on them. I’m going to encourage my kids to spend that moment reading the First Amendment…
Information from: http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/st...
