PRINTER'S NO. 1413
No. 1201 Session of 1985
INTRODUCED BY FISCHER, MAY 13, 1985
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, MAY 13, 1985
AN ACT
1 Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An
2 act relating to the public school system, including certain
3 provisions applicable as well to private and parochial
4 schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the
5 laws relating thereto," further providing for periods of
6 meditation and prayer.
7 The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
8 hereby enacts as follows:
9 Section 1. Section 1516.1 of the act of March 10, 1949
10 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, added
11 December 6, 1972 (P.L.1412, No.305), is amended to read:
12 Section 1516.1. Meditation and Prayer Periods.--(a) In each
13 public school classroom, the teacher in charge [may, or if so
14 authorized or directed by the board of school directors by which
15 he is employed,] shall, at the opening of school upon every
16 school day, [conduct] observe a brief period of silent prayer or
17 meditation with the participation of all the pupils therein
18 assembled. A pupil shall not be required to participate in such
19 meditation or prayer when a letter from a parent or legal
1 guardian requests that the pupil be excused from such
2 participation.
3 (b) The silent prayer or meditation authorized by subsection
4 (a) of this section is not intended to be, and shall not be
5 conducted as, a religious service or exercise, but shall be
6 considered as an opportunity for silent prayer or meditation on
7 a religious theme by those who are so disposed, or a moment of
8 silent reflection on the anticipated activities of the day.
9 Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
D29L24CHF/19850H1201B1413 - 2 -