MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Representatives Fillingane, Creel, Espy, Ketchings, Mayo, Roberson, Wells-Smith

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 may not be conducted as a religious service or exercise but is considered an opportunity for a moment of silent reflection on the anticipated activities of the day.

(3) Subsections (1) and (2) of this section may not be deemed to prohibit student initiated voluntary prayers that are nonsectarian or nonproselytizing in nature at school or school related events.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2000.