A bill opening the door for prayer in public schools has been introduced in Mississippi.
Oscar Denton, D-Vicksburg, authored House Bill 488 to require local public school boards to designate a period of reflection at the beginning of each school day, during which voluntary student-initiated prayer can be conducted. Currently, this is optional in Mississippi.
Passage of Denton’s bill would require schools to allow audible student-led prayer and even moments of silence during the designated time of reflection. The text describes one’s First Amendment rights, highlighting prayer as constitutionally protected free speech within the classroom.
Schools and educators would not be allowed to turn this time into an endorsement of a particular religion and teachers would not be allowed to lead a prayer. However, the bill’s text does not prohibit educators from joining students in prayer during the time of reflection.
The legislation has been referred to the House Education Committee where it will be reviewed. If enacted, HB 488 would go into law on July 1.