State lawmakers moved Illinois to the forefront of the national school-prayer debate Thursday, requiring public schools to provide students with a brief moment of silence at the start of classes.
The House joined the Senate in voting to override Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s veto of legislation mandating the period for “silent prayer or for silent reflection on the anticipated activities of the day.”
The governor had said he believes in the “power of prayer” but worried the law could erode the barrier between church and state.
“This was never about trying to require prayer in the schools,” said Rep. Will Davis (D-Homewood), a lead sponsor of the new law. “This is a way for teachers and students to [start] their day off in the right way.”
Legal experts said the law, which turns the moment of silence from an option to a requirement, is likely to survive any constitutional challenges. But educators predicted there will be huge problems in enforcing the mandate because teachers and other administrators will have to sort out how to deal with students who ignore it. The law does not contain any penalties for non-compliance.
The law takes effect immediately, and school districts will get a notice from the State Board of Education shortly, a spokesman said.
I concur that this one is likely to pass muster with the courts. As for rowdy kids thy can be dealt with the same way you deal with them during other parts of the school day.
Well, anyone who knows me would say I’m pretty liberal, but I have absolutely no problem with this law.