“We will now observe a minute of silence,” cuts in over the intercom as students take their seats in first period. For the following 60 seconds, all that can be heard across the campus is pure silence.
A silence full of freedom, by law, giving students the option to begin the day with reflection, meditation, or prayer.
On April 2, 2013, Governor Mike Beebe signed into law a requirement of all public schools in the state of Arkansas to participate in a daily minute of silence, allowing students to engage in any silent activity of choice without interacting with another students.
The expression of a minute of silence in schools goes hand-in-hand with the same moment of silence taken during a memorial or ceremony.
The new law has brought about numerous mixed and colorful opinions amongst many cultural and religious groups concerning the use of the word “prayer” in legislation. Conflicts arose when advocates of atheist and agnostic groups argued that no non-religious purpose was served in designating an official minute of silence.
“It probably has a component of prayer as its intent, but a silent moment allows for diversity of religious thought. I think it passes scrutiny,” said AP World teacher Wendel Nothdurft.
Mr. Nothdurft added that if used with the right intentions, the moment of silence can benefit a student’s personal life at school.
Senior Davinder Braich believes that starting the day off with the new routine might make people feel better. “I’m not upset. If you want to pray then you can. If you don’t, you don’t have to. It’s a choice,” said Braich.
Junior Victoria Burton agreed that the minute of silence could be beneficial in beginning the school day. I think it’s a great way to start the day because you can start with prayer, meditation, or preparing for the day ahead.”
Student Council sponsor Kim Oliver disagrees that the moment of silence has any impact or benefits the school day. “I think it’s great if students want to do that, but I don’t really see what the purpose is,” said Ms. Oliver.
Mr. Nothdurft agrees that the moment of silence seems to have little impact on the student body. “The impact is minimal, but there needs to be a consistent practice. In other words, we need to do it daily, so that it shows consistency of action.”