Repeal of “Moment of Silence” law fails

SPRINGFIELD — A proposal to end the mandatory moment of silence observed in Illinois public schools to start each day failed in a House hearing Wednesday.

Buffalo Grove activist Rob Sherman, who has been pushing for the repeal of the mandatory moment of silence, was on hand to testify in favor of Rep. Jim Durkin’s legislation.

Sherman argued the law is driven by religion and said schools have not done a good enough job explaining that it’s not supposed to be.

“Teachers are not telling kids what the purpose of the law is,” Sherman said.

Durkin, a Western Springs Republican, proposed to give teachers and students the option to decide whether they would like to observe a moment of silence before the first class of the day.

“We should give control to the local school districts,” he said.

Durkin said he wants to adjust the legislation and try for another vote.