TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Prayer never should have been taken out of the schools, said Rep. Kimberly Daniels, D-Jacksonville, the sponsor of a four-page bill recently filed at the Florida Capitol.
“If we open the door for Christian clubs, for children to join Christian clubs, there would be less people going (to) street gangs,” Daniels said.
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Under Daniels’ bill, students could use their religion as the subject of an assigned essay, wear clothing promoting their faith, and even hold a prayer group during school hours if similar nonsecular activities were allowed. The legislation promoting religious expression would open the door to any faith, not just Christianity.
Students with a religious point of view would have the same rights as any other student, Daniels said.
Currently, there is no statewide policy in place regarding these issues. Decisions on what is appropriate are being made locally, which, bill co-sponsor Sen. Dennis Baxley said, has been stifling in some districts.
“And I think generally, there is a chilling effect and a sense by many that you are supposed to sterilize the environment of any free expression,” said Baxley, R-Ocala. “I don’t think that’s healthy.”
And while sponsors of the bill really mean Christian freedom of expression, the legislation would do so much more. When the Capitol was opened to a nativity scene, a devil worship exhibit also was allowed.
Florida’s school boards said local control is important.
“As long as it doesn’t disrupt the learning environment, typically, the clothing is allowed,” said Andrea Messina, the former director of the Florida School Boards Association. “So, some people’s religion might disrupt some other (people’s) learning environment. That’s where, sometimes, conversation in the community is important.”
The legislation has been assigned to committees, but no hearings have been set.
The legislation would apply not only to students, but to staff and faculty members in public schools, as well.