Florida Democrat lawmaker introduces bill requiring Bible courses and prayers in public schools
A Florida Democratic lawmaker has introduced a bill mandating all public high schools in the state to offer Bible classes and allow prayer to be brought back to the system. Rep. Kim Daniels, the author of a series of faith-based books, introduced House Bill 341, which "requires each school district to offer specified courses relating to religion, Hebrew Scriptures, & Bible to certain students as elective courses."
The bill would reportedly permit a "brief meditation period" in addition to the "study of the Bible and religion" at every school in the Sunshine State.
There was mixed reaction to the move among students.
High school student Caroline Holtz told WFLA she doesn't agree with the bill. “I ask them, are they going to teach the Torah, the Quran, and all the other stuff, because the separation of church and state,” she said.
Meanwhile, local high school student Jake Welling said it was like "forcing people to be carrying around a bible in school, and to have to bring it out during school, to learn about specific Christian teachings, could be a violation of students’ rights.”
However, several others were open to try something new. “Don’t shut something out that you haven’t tried,” another student, Caeley Wilson, told the outlet. “It opens up friendships and opens up your mind pretty much.”
Daniels had proposed a similar bill earlier this year making Bible classes optional in schools, and it was approved by an 11-3 vote. At the time, opponents raised concerns that Bible classes may spark lawsuits over the constitutionality of the same. Nonetheless, the newly proposed bill would go into effect in July 2020 if passed by lawmakers.
Daniels is the founder of Spoken Word Ministries, Kimberly Daniels Ministries International, and Word Bible College. Last year, she successfully pushed for getting the state's motto "In God We Trust" to be put on display at every public school in Florida.
Besides, she has also championed a bill designed to fight discrimination in schools against religious staff, students, and parents.