Moment of Silence in Texas

In Texas, all public school students must participate in a mandatory "moment of silence." Does this new law further the religious rights of students or is it a foot in the door that will lead to infringements upon religious freedoms? Parents in Texas disagree.

KXAN in Texas explains:

"I think it's a stealth way of trying to reinstitute prayer in schools," Marcus Ollington, who opposes the moment of silence, said. "I'm not out to have anyone love my God or pray to my God," Deborah Knapp, who supports moment of silence, said. "And further more I think it takes away from the real focus of our public schools which is education," Ollington said.

What is the purpose of a "moment of silence"? If it is to encourage prayer, then it is impermissible - the government has no authority to single out a particular time during the day and recommend this time to children for silent prayers. If the purpose is not for prayer, then why does it look so much like prayer? What is the origin of this amazing coincidence?

Read More:

• Separation of Church and State 101
• Religion in Public Schools
• School Prayer