03-24-2012, 11:20 PM
The measure is the result of a multiyear effort by Siplin and Rep. Charles Van Zant, R-Keystone Heights, who has a master's degree in divinity.
Van Zant could not be reached for comment following the signing. He argued at length during the House floor debate that the measure was not about prayer but about "inspirational" messaging and free speech. He also said that student messages would bring respect and civility to the classroom, something that he said had been lacking in the 50-plus years since the U.S. Supreme Court banned prayer in schools.
"Before we removed inspirational messages, the No. 1 problem was talking out of turn," Van Zant said during the debate. "Now, it's drug abuse."
...Because those are the two choices. If you don't force children to pray to a Christian god in school, they'll do drugs in school.
It's that simple.
Van Zant could not be reached for comment following the signing. He argued at length during the House floor debate that the measure was not about prayer but about "inspirational" messaging and free speech. He also said that student messages would bring respect and civility to the classroom, something that he said had been lacking in the 50-plus years since the U.S. Supreme Court banned prayer in schools.
"Before we removed inspirational messages, the No. 1 problem was talking out of turn," Van Zant said during the debate. "Now, it's drug abuse."
...Because those are the two choices. If you don't force children to pray to a Christian god in school, they'll do drugs in school.
It's that simple.