MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2003 Regular Session

To: Constitution; Education

By: Representative Pierce, Eaton

House Concurrent Resolution 67

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE MISSISSIPPI CONSTITUTION OF 1890, BY CREATING A NEW SECTION 18A TO PROVIDE FOR A BRIEF PERIOD OF QUIET REFLECTION, VOLUNTARY PRAYER OR MEDITATION AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH DAY IN PUBIC SCHOOL CLASSROOMS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That the following amendment to the Mississippi Constitution of 1890 is proposed to the qualified electors of the state:                               

     Amend the Mississippi Constitution of 1890 by creating a new section to read as follows:

     "SECTION 18A.  In each public school classroom, kindergarten through Grade 12, the teacher in charge shall provide a brief period of quite reflection, voluntary prayer or meditation for not more than sixty (60) seconds at the beginning of each school day, with participation by each pupil being entirely voluntary."

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this proposed amendment shall be submitted by the Secretary of State to the qualified electors at an election to be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November 2003, as provided by Section 273 of the Constitution and by general law.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the explanation of this proposed amendment for the ballot shall read as follows:  "This proposed constitutional amendment creates a new section of the Constitution which requires that in each public school classroom, kindergarten through Grade 12, the teacher in charge must provide a brief period of quiet reflection, voluntary prayer or meditation for not more than sixty (60) seconds at the beginning of each school day, with participation by each pupil being entirely voluntary."