Friday, March 14, 2003

"Moment of silence" bill introduced

Congressman David Scott introduced legislation this week in the House of Representatives that will provide for a period of quiet reflection at the opening of every school day. Scott's legislation would give students a short moment of calming reflection from the stressful realities of the world and the school day.

As a state senator in the Georgia Legislature, Scott introduced and passed a similar bill in 1994. The law, signed by then Governor Zell Miller, has been upheld by the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals as constitutional. Senator Miller has agreed to introduce identical legislation in the Senate.

The legislation would require public schools to hold a brief period of quiet reflection for not more than 60 seconds in every classroom. The legislation specifically states that the moment of silent reflection shall not be conducted as a religious service or exercise.

"In today's hectic society, with so much uneasiness in the world, few of the country's citizens, especially our young people, are able to experience a moment of quiet reflection before plunging headlong into the day's activities. This moment of reflection will give our students the opportunity to have a calming break from an otherwise busy and stressful school day," Scott said.