(Noem)
A bill which is intended to permit students in public schools pray every morning in schools if they desire has been introduced by South Dakota’s governor, Kristi Noem. This decision comes despite the resistance from secular groups to related bills in other states in the country.
Early this week, the republican governor had released the text of legislation that would “require a moment of silence in schools to begin the school day.” Noem stated that she believes that “every student deserves the opportunity to begin their day with a calm, silent moment.’’
She continued, “I hope students will take this opportunity to say a quick prayer or reflect on their upcoming day. However they choose to take advantage of this time, it will be beneficial to students and teachers alike.”
According to the bill, all public school districts in the state would “provide students and teachers the opportunity each morning that school is in session to have a moment of silence lasting up to one minute.” Also, the moment of silence would include “voluntary prayer, reflection, meditation or other quiet, respectful activity.”
In addition, the bill states that “no school employee may dictate the action to be taken by students or teachers during the moment of silence and that no student may interfere with another student’s engagement in the moment of silence. The permission of schools to conduct the moment of silence should not be seen as a religious exercise.”
However, the moment of silence at the beginning of school day is necessary to provide students and teachers with a “reprieve from the frenzy of daily life and to set a tone of decorum that will be conducive to learning.”
South Dakota is among the various states where elected officials are canvassing a moment of silence in schools. In October, an Ohio Senate bill was introduced to establish a moment in schools.
In June, Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, signed a bill into law that would allow students to daily “reflect and be able to pray as they see fit.”
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