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Two bills in the Florida Legislature, one filed by a Republican and the other by a Democrat, require a moment of silence at the beginning of each school day. As I read the bills, which both passed their second of three committees last week, I pondered “Is this a lesson for all of us, as we begin our workday?”
A portion of both bills reads: “The Legislature finds that in the hectic society of today, too few persons are able to experience even a moment of quiet reflection before plunging headlong into the activities of daily life. Young persons are particularly affected by the absence of an opportunity for a moment of quiet reflection. The Legislature finds that our youth, and society as a whole, would be well served if students in the public schools were afforded a moment of silence at the beginning of each school day.”
The bills, HB 737 by Rep. Kimberly Daniels, (D-Jacksonville) and the similar SB 946 by Senator Dennis Baxley (R-Ocala) require teachers in first-period classrooms in all grades to set aside at least 1 minute, but not more than 2 minutes daily for a moment of silence, during which students may not interfere with other students’ participation. A teacher may not suggest the nature of any reflection a student may engage in during the moment of silence.
Keeping a good thought for all of you for a great week. See you on the trail.
Lisa
LMA Newsletter of 2-17-20
