PRINTER'S NO. 1616
No. 1378 Session of 1975
INTRODUCED BY LETTERMAN, KERNICK, SHANE, GREEN, GEORGE,
GILLETTE, DAVIS, TRELLO, ABRAHAM, MISCEVICH, LAUGHLIN,
USTYNOSKI AND LEVI, JUNE 4, 1975
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, JUNE 9, 1975
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, act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30,
10 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 a brief period of silent prayer or
17 meditation with the participation of all the pupils therein
18 assembled who desire to participate. Those pupils who do not
19 wish to participate may leave the classroom on their own
1 initiative during any such period.
2 (b) The silent prayer or meditation authorized by subsection
3 (a) of this section is not intended to be, and shall not be
4 conducted as, a religious service or exercise, but shall be
5 considered as an opportunity for silent prayer or meditation on
6 a religious theme by those who are so disposed, or a moment of
7 silent reflection on the anticipated activities of the day.
8 Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
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