Section 16-1-20.4

Period of quiet reflection.

(a) The Legislature of Alabama finds that in the hectic society of today all too few citizens are able to experience even a moment of quiet reflection before plunging headlong into the activities of daily life. Young citizens are particularly affected by the absence of an opportunity for a moment of quiet reflection. The Legislature finds that our young, and society as a whole, would be well served if students in the public schools were afforded a moment of quiet reflection at the beginning of each school day and at the opening of school athletic events and graduation ceremonies.

(b) At the opening of school every day in each public school classroom, the teacher in charge shall conduct a brief period of quiet reflection for 60 seconds with the participation of every pupil in the classroom.

(c) At the beginning of every school athletic event and graduation ceremony, the principal of the school, or his or her designee, shall conduct a brief period of quiet reflection for 60 seconds.

(d) The moment of quiet reflection authorized by subsection (b) and subsection (c) is not intended to be and shall not be conducted as a religious service or exercise, but shall be considered an opportunity for a moment of silent reflection on the anticipated activities of the day or event.

(Act 98-381, p. 715, §1; Act 2001-428, p. 556, §1.)