Moment of silence for reflection replaces Lord's Prayer at schools

The moment of silence was initiated this week.
By MARY SMITH
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
MINERAL RIDGE -- Weathersfield Local Schools have started allowing pupils to take a moment of silence before classes start, after saying the Lord's Prayer had to be discontinued in the district two weeks ago.
Superintendent Michael Hanshaw said that based on the Ohio Revised Code, a moment of silence is permitted in schools to allow time for pupils to reflect "on a moral, philosophical or patriotic theme."
Hanshaw said the moment of silence was started Wednesday at the schools, and the pupils and parents all seem to be happy with it.
He has been in discussion with the district's attorney since the morning prayer, the Lord's Prayer, said in the district by classes in the morning along with the Pledge of Allegiance for an estimated 80 years, had to be stopped Jan. 31.
Complaint made
An anonymous person, said to be a parent, complained about the practice.
On legal advice from the district's attorney, James Fredericka, the prayer was stopped so the district would be in compliance with law.
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as interpreted by various courts, requires a separation of church and state. The principle of separation of church and state affects all government functions, including public schools.
Board meeting
Hanshaw said 20 parents attended Wednesday's school board meeting, and though only two of them spoke, they were very supportive of the school, realizing the district had no choice but to discontinue prayer in the mornings. They were also happy to learn that a moment of silence was being instituted, he said.
Hanshaw said that after the prayer was stopped, the community and pupils were very supportive. "There has never been any protesting" over the issue, he added.