If the Ohio Senate passes House Bill 394, silence will be heard in schools … even if just for a moment.

The Moment of Silence bill requires each board of education in the state to require schools to set aside a minute of the school day as a time of reflection, meditation or prayer.

Rep. Rex Damschroder, R-Fremont, introduced the bill following a constituent’s suggestion. The influx of televised prayer following the Sept. 11 attacks may have had an effect, said Chase Canfield, Damschroder’s legislative aide.

“Why can’t children have this opportunity?” Canfield said. “It gives an opportunity to reflect and meditate, or an option of praying, if they would like.”

The bill specifies the moment of silence to be used for contemplation “upon a moral, philosophical or patriotic theme.” But some local religious leaders see this bill heading in a dangerous direction – possibly violating the First Amendment separating church and state.

“I hope it will be used the way it’s intended to, but I have my doubts,” said Rev. George Glazier of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. “I hope it won’t be used to reintroduce prepared prayer in some way. I don’t believe it’s appropriate for the classroom.”

Students are able to have a moment of silence on their own without it being required by the state, he said.

“It will be hard for teachers with deep religious beliefs,” Glazier said. “What happens to the child who is an atheist who looks out the window?”

Alan Katchen, director of the community relations committee of the Columbus Jewish Federation, is opposed to the bill.

“As we see it, it’s a wedge to get prayer in school,” Katchen said. “The effect is clear; it’s to advance religion.”

Introducing this procedure following the Sept.11 attacks is dangerous, he said. This is a time the country should be united, not split between religious differences.

“Anyone who wants to pray – what’s to stop them?” Katchen said. “The separation between church and state is one of the great strengths of our country.”

“This is the last time we would want religions arguing about policies,” she said.

Rev. Grayson Atha of King Avenue United Methodist Church is interested to see how a moment of silence in schools will work out.

“For years there have been groups of people who thought prayer in schools would be the answer,” Atha said. “Silence will satisfy those insistent on prayer in school.”

Since religion is not specified in the bill, the bill is acceptable, he said.

“The Supreme Court has been good and respectful to everyone,” Atha said.

The Ohio School Board Association took no official position on the bill.

“This kind of issue is a local control issue. We believe you should let the local school board decide,” said Joe Thesing, deputy director of legislative networks.

“Since the House added language protecting school districts from lawsuits and protecting students’ right to participate, we decided not to take a stand,” Thesing said.

The Ohio Education Association did not take sides, since the approval of the House of Representatives came so quickly, said Deidra Brown, a lobbyist for the OEA.

“We didn’t have time,” said Brown. “We were not even certain it would be voted on the day they did it.”

The association does have legal policies opposed to pushing forward religion in schools, she said.

Two Ohio State students believe a moment of silence in school is permissible, as long as prayer is not required.

“It’s a lot better than requiring prayer,” said Debra Kelbaugh, a junior in business. “If students don’t want to, they shouldn’t be forced.”

Kara Bertke, a junior is psychology, agrees.

“If they want to pray it’s fine, but it can’t be forced,” Bertke said.

If the Senate passes the bill, each school district would also be required to set aside time to say the Pledge of Allegiance. Students are not, however, required to participate in the recitation. The law allows school districts to mandate their own rules about whether the pledge is said each day.

The Moment of Silence bill passed in the House Oct. 31, with a 97-2 vote.