Mandated moment of silence in public schools?

Question

So you guys might have heard about the compulsory moment of silence in school every morning that was recently made into a law in Illinois. What do you think? Good or bad? Why do you think so? Here is the article:
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=55754


(I'll post my views on it in a bit...)

Answer 1

I think it is totally unneccesary. Why cant kids just wake up 2 minutes earlier and pray at home or get to school a couple minutes earlier and then they can start their day at school with their own little private prayer. I have never understood the need for prayer or a moment of silence during school hours. There are plenty of hours in the day when you arent in class that you can pray. Do it before school, in between classes, during lunch or after school. Why do you have to pray right during class time???

Answer 2

Personally, I think this is a good thing, and I am a big Separation of Church and State activist. The "moment of silence" gives the students an opportunity to pray if they want, or otherwise to meditate, reflect, clear their minds and prepare for their day. It's not telling them that they have to pray -- that would be a clear violation of Separation of Church and State. And it's not telling them not to pray -- that would be a clear violation of Freedom of Religion. It simply gives the student a few quiet moments to do whatever they want with. They aren't leading the students in a prayer, they are simply providing an atmosphere which respects the individual beliefs of each student. If you don't want to pray, you can check out the girl at the desk next to you. It's your moment of silence, use it as you Will! I don't honestly think this involves forcing religion on anyone. That's what a mandated prayer lead by a teacher would be. I see this as a compromise between those who believe in Freedom of Religion and those who believe in Separation of Church and State. And it's a good one. I happen to believe in both.

Properly understood, Separation of Church and State should be in place to allow for Freedom of Religion. The two should not be mutually exclusive. If a public school student wants to give a class presentation about their religion, or wear religious jewelry, or participate in religious student organizations, that should be allowed. We should never tell a student what not to say. We should never restrict the individual from expressing themselves as they will. That would violate the First Amendment, not uphold it. The problem is when one religion is favored over another. So, Christmas Break should be called Holiday Break. "Under God" should be taken out of the Pledge of Allegiance. And no teacher should be leading the class in a prayer. The answer of the Separation of Church and State vs. Freedom of Religion problem should simply be to get out of the way of the individual, and let them make up their own minds. Let them express faith if they will, and give them the opportunity to do so, but do not force it on them. Faith, in order to mean something, should be a conscious choice freely made. That is what the framers of the Constitution meant when they wrote the First Amendment. It's been misinterpreted by both sides ever since.

Answer 3

i'm sorry, yet i in my opinion do no longer see the huge deal. in the event that they're asserting this is for "mirrored image" or "contemplation" then use it to think of approximately your plans for the day. set up your innovations. no person is forcing you to make it a "non secular" adventure. i'm very non secular, and that i probable does not use it for prayer. i think of this is an exceedingly stable thought to enable scholars take under consideration their day. heavily, i do no longer prefer a delegated time to desire. I do it on each and every occasion i've got faith like it, and no you will supply up me. I suggested many a prayer for the period of faculty as quickly as I had a attempt or somehthing. i could use the "2nd of silence" for some thing else, and It does not make sense which you would be able to combat it. extremely because you're 18 and could be out of there quickly.

Answer 4

People talk too much and listen too little... How then can this "silence" be a bad thing to teach children?

Silence is not a religion, though it's darned important for learning on the part of the hearer...

God bless.

Answer 5

So, the kids get a quiet minute. It's probably almost exactly what most of them need. I work in public schools in California. We don't have a law like that, but I would welcome it. I don't like to hit the ground running every morning myself. A moment of peace to gather one's thoughts, or pray if one is so inclined, can have a big positive effect. The kids will be calmer, resulting in fewer behavior issues, and learning will be enhanced.

Answer 6

When, suddenly, out of nowhere, our principal informed us that we were to have a moment of silence everyday, I was confused. I still don't entirely know why (as my computer is too slow to load that article) but it can't hurt. Let the religious pray, and let the others amuse themselves with other tasks.

Answer 7

I had my own "mandated" moment of silence when I was in high-school. It was during World Cultures class. A refreshing 45 minute nap, it was.

Answer 8

Lady Suri,
I see nothing wrong with it ethically or by state/federal statutes. It would allow for each and every student/teacher to either pray, meditate, or reflect on their day before any major happenings occur and would allow them to do so early enough to begin the day with clarity. Have a wonderful week.
Thanks,
Eds

Neil,
You can use the data collected from surveys to prove anything that you want to. Such a thing is impossible to "prove".


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Answer 9

Class time is for learning. If people want to pray, they should do it in their own time. Go in a bathroom stall or something. This is just another attempt by christians to push their beliefs on other people. No one is trying to tell them they can't believe what they want, but they relentlessy try to force people to believe as they do. It is religious extremism and can only lead to violence. Live and let live. Keep it to yourself.

Answer 10

No matter what they really want, they can get my support 100%. Let's think about it. The US has the world's highest crime rate, teenage pregnancy rate, suicide rate, and lots of other problems such as drinking, gambling, and drugs. Let's do sth real to teach the younger generation. Ethics education should be strengthened not weakened in public schools in America. They simply did sth very encouraging.