Ron DeSantis signed into law a Bill that at first glance, would confuse most. The letter requires all schools in the sunshine state to allow a students a moment of silence during first period.
The silence should last at least one minute, but no more than two. Teachers and administrators will not be able to encourage or question what a student reflects on in their time of “prayer or meditation”.
The letter states that “teachers are banned from making suggestions as to the nature of any reflection that a student may engage in during the moment of silence.”
“It’s important to be able to provide each student the ability every day to reflect and be able to pray as they see fit,” the Florida Governor said.
The law does not force prayer in school, as the time can also be used to reflect on life, and meditate. It does not mandate that any prayer happen at anytime. Only that prayer is allowed if a student wishes.
The law was signed Monday and will be effective starting at the beginning of the next school year.
Democrats criticized Republican support for the law, claiming that it was intended to force prayer in school.
It’s hard to believe that a bill that allows students of all faiths (or lack of faith) to pray or reflect would have any objections. The moment of silence can be utilized even by students who identify as atheist or agnostic.
“The Republican who sponsored the bill said that it wasn’t about prayer in school. (Of course it was!) But when you question their motives, or their honesty, it’s called a personal attack & deemed out of order. No. The Republicans lie, and we need to call them on it every time.” Democratic rep. Omari Hardy tweeted.
Ron DeSantis has also been very active in supporting Florida’s Jewish community.
CNN reported, “DeSantis on Monday also emphasized initiatives to support the Jewish community in Florida, including security funding for the state’s Jewish Day Schools, $1.35 million dollars for the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg, $400,000 for the Holocaust Memorial in Miami Beach, $100,000 for the Holocaust Task Force and others. He also signed into law HB 805, that ensures faith-based volunteer ambulance services can operate.”
This simply highlights the Governor’s concern with protecting the rights and safety of citizens of all faiths and backgrounds.