Recently, while sifting through an old file cabinet, one of my staff members came across a brochure from the Arkansas Department of Education. The Brochure was dated January 1992, and titled, “Preparing Our Children for the 21st Century.”
Rep. Debra Hobbs has filed a bill (HB1690) to require that every public school in Arkansas observe a minute of silence at the beginning of each day.
During this allotted time, a student may reflect, pray, or engage in any other silent activity that doesn’t interfere with or distract another student.
School days are busy and full of distractions. We think just a little time to focus—however a student chooses to do so—will benefit students and teachers alike as they prepare for the day.
If you agree, please contact the members of the House Education Committee and ask them to support this bill. Click here for a list of every committee member. Click a name and you’ll be taken to contact information for that representative.
Students, as you head back to school, know your religious and free speech rights both in and out of the classroom.
Alliance Defending Freedom (formerly Alliance Defense Fund) has assembled two web pages listing some infringements students have experienced. The web page for primary schools is here. The web page for higher education is here.
Also, check out the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE).