- In each public school classroom, the teacher in charge shall, at the opening of school upon every school day, conduct a brief period of quiet reflection for not more than 60 seconds with the participation of all the pupils therein assembled.
- The moment of quiet reflection authorized by subsection (a) of this Code section is not intended to be and shall not be conducted as a religious service or exercise but shall be considered as an opportunity for a moment of silent reflection on the anticipated activities of the day.
- The provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this Code section shall not prevent student initiated voluntary school prayers at schools or school related events which are nonsectarian and nonproselytizing in nature.
History. Ga. L. 1969, p. 488, § 1; Ga. L. 1994, p. 256, §§ 2, 3.
Cross references.
Freedom of conscience, Ga. Const. 1983, Art. I, Sec. I, Para. III.
Religious opinions and freedom of religion, Ga. Const. 1983, Art. I, Sec. I, Para. IV.
Editor’s notes.
Ga. L. 1994, p. 256, § 1, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: “The General Assembly finds that in today’s hectic society, all too few of our citizens are able to experience even a moment of quiet reflection before plunging headlong into the day’s activities. Our young citizens are particularly affected by this absence of an opportunity for a moment of quiet reflection. The General Assembly finds that our young, and society as a whole, would be well served if students were afforded a moment of quiet reflection at the beginning of each day in the public schools.”
Ga. L. 1994, p. 256, § 4, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: “If any portion of this bill is found to be unconstitutional, it shall be stricken and the remaining portions of this bill shall remain in full force and effect as if the stricken portion had not been enacted.”
Law reviews.
For note on the 1994 amendment of this Code section, see 11 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 187 (1994).