Florida bill allowing religious 'inspirational messages' in public schools goes to governor
By John Kennedy Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Posted: 3:22 p.m. Thursday, March 1, 2012
TALLAHASSEE — After fierce debate, the Florida House approved a measure Thursday allowing school boards to let students deliver "inspirational messages" in public schools - a move critics say is aimed at promoting unconstitutional school prayer.
The measure (SB 98) was already OK'd by the Senate and now goes to Gov. Rick Scott, who is expected to sign it into law. It passed 88-27 in the House, with 10 Democrats joining the entire Republican majority.
The bill would allow school boards to adopt policies giving students authority to deliver "an inspirational message" during the student portion of any assembly. Administrators, teachers, coaches and other school personnel would be prohibited from reviewing the message or editing it.
Florida law currently also allows students to have a brief period - no more than two minutes - at the start of each school day for silent prayer or meditation. Volunteer prayer groups also are authorized to meet at schools.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/state/florida-bill-allowing-religious-inspirational-messages-in-public-2210142.html
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