Silence should not be mandated

I'm writing in response to the amendment made to the Illinois Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act that requires a moment of silence at the start of each school day. Many of my peers and I believe that this law is unconstitutional. As a senior in high school, I have come to realize a great deal about what the United States truly means to me. I grew up assuming that our country's No. 1 priority was our freedom, as this is what I've learned in history class ever since elementary school. With recent adjustments to the Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act, I feel as if my freedom is being eradicated. By changing the wording of this law from "may" to "shall," our government is forcing us to be silent.

As I learned in elementary school, the Bill of Rights begins with, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech…"

I guess my history teachers have all been incorrect because apparently the government can make laws regarding religion. Many have argued that because the law says reflection or prayer, that it is not based mainly on religion; however, by even mentioning the idea of prayer, this law goes against everything our country stands for. Separation of church and state is supposed to be ubiquitous, but having this idea of prayer lingering over our heads makes me worry.

I've been getting the impression that the government is slowly working its way back to the old ways when government and religion went hand in hand. The government began this veiled attempt by adding "under God" to our pledge in 1954 and now they are forcing us to observe a moment of silence. What's next? Will all public schools be required to attend church daily? I know many people in favor of this amendment are calling the opponents of it atheists, but I was born and raised a Christian. I believe in a higher force, but if I want to pray, I would like to use my own time to do so.

Sarah Brannan

Elk Grove Village