MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Representative Young

AN ACT TO REQUIRE TEACHERS TO CONDUCT DAILY A BRIEF PERIOD OF QUIET REFLECTION 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, 2000.