MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Representative Clark

House Bill 61

AN ACT TO REQUIRE A MOMENT OF QUIET REFLECTION AND CONTEMPLATION IN THE SCHOOLS AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH SCHOOL DAY; TO PROVIDE THAT THE MOMENT OF REFLECTION SHALL BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO REFLECT ON THE ANTICIPATED ACTIVITIES OF THE DAY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

WHEREAS, in today's hectic society, all too few of our citizens are able to experience even a moment of quiet reflection and contemplation before plunging headlong into the day's activities; and

WHEREAS, the young citizens of the state are particularly affected by this absence of an opportunity for a moment of quiet reflection; and

WHEREAS, our youth, and society as a whole, would be well served if students were afforded a moment of quiet reflection and contemplation at the beginning of each day in the public schools:

NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) At the opening of school upon every school day, the teacher in each public school classroom shall conduct a brief period, not to exceed sixty (60) seconds, of quiet reflection and contemplation with the participation of all students in the classroom. The period of reflection and contemplation shall not be conducted as a religious service or exercise but shall be an opportunity for a moment of silent reflection on the anticipated activities of the day.

(2) The provisions of this section are severable. If any part of this section is declared invalid or unconstitutional, that declaration shall not affect the part or parts that remain.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1997.