Moment of Silence Returns to Valley View Schools

Starting Wednesday, schools will bring back a state-mandated moment of silence each morning.

The 15-second moment of silence, intended to allow students and teachers a time for quiet reflection or, if they choose, to pray, is back after a two-year hiatus after a federal judge lifted an injunction barring enforcement of the law.

Four years ago, Illinois legislators passed a law requiring schools to offer the moment of silence each morning. The law took effect in October 2007 after both the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives voted to override a veto by then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Rob Sherman, a parent, talk show host and atheist activist, challenged the law on the grounds that it mandates prayer in public schools. In 2009, Federal Judge Robert Gettleman ruled that the law was unconstitutional.

But the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals disagreed, ruling in October that the law does not specify or require prayer in schools. On Friday, Gettleman lifted the injunction, effectively bringing back the moment of silence.

In Valley View schools, the moment of silence will make its official return on Wednesday, according to Director of Community Relations Larry Randa.

“VVSD will follow the recommendation of the Illinois Association of School Boards by asking each school to have a 10-15 second period of silence immediately following the morning announcements on a daily basis,” Randa said in an e-mail. “All students and staff will be asked to be silent allowing those who wish to participate to have a chance for reflection and quiet thought.”

Students were not in school Monday due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and are off Tuesday for a teacher institute day, Randa said.

“I am pleased to say we will be moving forward to ensure we are in full compliance with the court ruling ASAP,” Valley View board of education president Steve Quigley said.

Quigley said the law does not mean public school students are required to pray.

"But those that wish to may," he said.