MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Representatives Young, Bailey, Cummings, Henderson (9th)

AN ACT TO REQUIRE A BRIEF PERIOD OF QUIET REFLECTION TO BE CONDUCTED DAILY BY TEACHERS IN EACH PUBLIC SCHOOL CLASSROOM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) In each public school classroom, the teacher in charge shall conduct a brief period of quiet reflection for not more than sixty (60) seconds at the opening of school upon every school day, with the participation of all the pupils therein assembled.

(2) The moment of quiet reflection authorized by subsection (1) of this section is not intended to be and shall not be conducted as a religious service or exercise but shall be considered an opportunity for a moment of silent reflection on the anticipated activities of the day. No teacher, principal, school board member, or any other person may require or prescribe any particular method or manner in which a child shall participate in any period of silent prayer or meditation, but each child shall be absolutely free to participate therein or not, in such manner or way as the child personally desires, consistent with his or her beliefs.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1999.