There was a time when students and teachers prayed at school. Those times have been taken away.
In attempt to preserve religion at school, students groups and others have taken quieter measures by asking for a moment of silence at the start of the school day. During the moment of silence students and teachers may pray if they wish. Those who do not want to pray may sit quietly.
Many schools use this practice of having a moment of silence first thing in the morning. It usually is up to individual schools and principals on whether or not the moment of silence is placed into the morning routine.
However, Illinois has gone one step further. Instead of saying that it is okay for schools to honor a moment of silence, they have placed a law into effect that requires schools to carry out a moment of silence each day.
Illinois Governor Blagojevich vetoed the law. However, it passed without his approval. Until the law went into effect, it was left up to individual schools on whether or not they had a moment of silence. After the law, every school had to participate.
The law was introduced in the spring but only went into effect this month.
Not long after the law was in place, a freshman and her father decided to challenge it. Robert Sherman, an atheist, and his daughter have filed a lawsuit against the school system.
Sherman says that his daughter’s education should not have to be interrupted for a moment of silence so Christians can pray.
The schools say that they have no choice but to abide by the law. Until the law is taken out the moment of silence will stay.
The Shermans have taken part in other suits that have removed religious symbols from seals and prevented Boy Scout troops from meeting at public schools.
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