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Bill 1419

                    Current Status

Bill Number:                      1419
Type of Legislation:              Concurrent Resolution CR
Introducing Body:                 Senate
Introduced Date:                  20000531
Primary Sponsor:                  Alexander
All Sponsors:                     Alexander and J. Verne Smith
Drafted Document Number:          l:\council\bills\nbd\12018ac00.doc
Residing Body:                    House
Current Committee:                Education and Public Works Committee 21 
                                  HEPW
Subject:                          Prayer in public education settings, 
                                  school-related events; General Assembly belief 
                                  use of appropriate; School Districts


                        History

Body    Date      Action Description                     Com     Leg Involved
______  ________  ______________________________________ _______ ____________
House   20000531  Introduced, referred to Committee      21 HEPW
Senate  20000531  Introduced, adopted, sent to House


              Versions of This Bill

EXPRESSING THE SINCERE BELIEF OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT THE USE OF PRAYER IN PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS AND AT SCHOOL-RELATED EVENTS IS AN APPROPRIATE ACTION THAT SHOULD BE PROMOTED AND ENCOURAGED WHEN SUCH PRAYER COMPLIES WITH CONSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS.

Whereas, the General Assembly is distressed to learn of individuals recommending the removal of prayer from public educational settings and events when such prayer complies with constitutional requirements; and

Whereas, this country, our nation, and our State was founded upon the strength of Judeo-Christian values, religious freedom, and Christian heritage; and

Whereas, the early settlers of our country fled England to escape religious persecution and to seek a land in which religious freedom is valued and guaranteed to all; and

Whereas, the proper use of prayer in public educational settings, including the primary, secondary, and college levels, is an integral part of the educational process in developing strength of character and high moral values and in promoting the development of responsible citizens; and

Whereas, the use of prayer at appropriate sporting events, school assemblies, and other educational gatherings serves to help unify individuals for a greater purpose. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, express the belief that the use of prayer in public educational settings and at school-related events is an appropriate action that should be promoted and encouraged when such prayer complies with constitutional requirements.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education.

This web page was last updated on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 9:11 A.M.