How is 'Moment of silence' unfair?

I wish to respond to several misconceptions in the letter published on Dec. 26 by Kyle Erdmann, former High School District 214 student. under the heading: "Moment of silence unfair to many."

Erdmann's first paragraph states that, there being a large number of Jewish students at Buffalo Grove High School, he believes it is unfair that all students in Illinois must take a moment of silence during the school day.

Why is this unfair? Do not those holding to the Jewish religion believe in a Supreme Being and that everything else is created by and therefore subject to God? Does Judaism not recommend prayer and homage to God?

Next, Erdmann cites a portion of the First Amendment, believing this supports a law that "separates the church and the state." The First Amendment actually states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

It next mentions free speech and freedom of the press. If we cannot prohibit pornography as free speech, how can we prohibit prayer in school? Is prayer not free speech?

The moment of silence does not require prayer, only a moment of silence to be used for any thoughts a student wishes.

Erdmann next claims the "silence" law is unfair because he believes that it "immediately segregates people of other religions than a Catholic background." Judaism, Christianity (both Protestant and Catholic) and the Islamic faith all believe and reverence a Supreme Being to whom everything is subject.

How is the "moment of silence" discriminatory and unfair? In addition, other religions (Buddhism, Hinduism and others) also believe in a "higher power" (or powers) and silently mediate upon this belief.

Again, I ask, how and why is mandatory silence unfair to those making up the greatest majority of our student population?

C.E. Glomski

Elk Grove Village