BILL NUMBER: S4166

SPONSOR: ADDABBO
 
TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the education law, in relation to
providing for the observance of September 11th Remembrance Day and
providing for the observance of a brief period of silence in public
school classrooms at the opening of such day

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

This legislation would mandate a brief moment of silent reflection and
in public schools state-wide at the start of the school day on every
September 11th to encourage dialogue and education in the classroom, and
ensure that future generations have an understanding of the September
11th, 2001 terrorist attacks and their place in the history of our state
and the nation

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

The act amends subdivision 2(a) of section 802 of the education law to
direct the State Education Commissioner to make special provision for
              

the observance of September 11th Remembrance Day in Public Schools.

The act further amends section 802 of the education law by introducing
subdivision 2(b), which mandates that public school classroom teachers
observe a brief period of silence with the participation of all pupils
assembled at the opening of the school day on the 11th of September,
known as the September 11th Remembrance Day.

The act further stipulates that said period shall not be conducted as a
religious exercise, but shall be an opportunity for silent prayer or for
silent reflection on the anticipated activities of the day

 
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE):

 
JUSTIFICATION:

The terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 were a defining moment in
the history of New York State and of the country. The tremendous loss
caused by this unspeakable act was most acutely felt by the many citi-
zens of our great state, many of who suffered great personal loss in the
attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and in the fields of
Shanksville, Pennsylvania. As the average school-age citizen of our
state may have no personal recollection of these events, having not yet
been born in 2001, it is imperative that our public education system
take the time to educate students in both the loss and heroism experi-
enced on September 11th. By mandating a brief moment of silent
reflection every year on the September 11th Remembrance Day, we may
ensure that future generations will better understand this day and its
place in our history

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.