By Ryan Noel and Shane Fergus, Reporters
Each morning in schools across Illinois, the Pledge of Allegiance is now followed with a moment of silence.
The 10 seconds of silence, during which students are instructed to “reflect on how we can make the day a positive day” and is intended for “silent prayer or silent reflection” began on Jan. 18 after a four-year court battle.
Although the Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act first went into effect in 2007, several legal challenges kept the moment of silence out of classrooms. Critics charged the law violates separation of church and state, but a federal appeals court recently upheld its constitutionality.Students have mixed feelings.
“It gives you a chance to reflect how to go about your day,” junior Devin Swearingen said.
Others were against it.
“I think it’s pointless. No one is silent,” junior Sean Carter said.
Psychology teacher Mark Meyer agreed.
“I have not seen any positive evidence of this affecting students,” he said. “I believe the stated goal is to give the students time to reflect before the school day, but I’m not sure it accomplishes this purpose to any meaningful extent.”