Every day at PLD begins with a video from WPLD, our source for “all things Dunbar.” We hear about important updates, potential opportunities, upcoming games, and club meetings. But this year, that video looks a little different.
Kentucky Senate Bill 19 (SB 19), sponsored by state Sen. Rick Girdler (R), amended KRS 158.175 to include a requirement for a moment of silence lasting between 1-2 minutes at the beginning of each school day. Instruction during this time is prohibited. Students must remain seated and silent, and they may not distract others in any way.
Critics of the bill argue that it may cross the boundaries between church and state. The Kentucky American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) wrote a letter to legislators opposing the bill, arguing that even “simply mentioning prayer raises constitutional concerns.” They also argued that it could encourage students to feel pressure to pray to win over coaches and teachers.
In Wallace v. Jaffree (1985), the Supreme Court struck down an Alabama law requiring a moment of silence because evidence showed it was enacted specifically to encourage prayer. Mr. Doug Wilkinson, a social studies teacher at Dunbar, explains that SB 19 is different, as it is framed as having a secular purpose. Therefore, it doesn’t violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prevents the government and its public schools from requiring religion. However, he believes the underlying purpose is evident.
“Based on the demographic of our state legislature, which predominantly consists of old, white, conservative men, it’s clear this bill cleverly advances a particular religion without overstepping legal boundaries.”
Supporters, like Sen. Reggie Thomas (D), say a moment of reflection allows students to reset their minds and regroup before the school day, citing the practice of meditation, which has a variety of health benefits. On the other hand, compelling students to engage in this as a captive audience could be seen as a good intention overstepping an established boundary.
Similar bills were proposed in 2022 and 2024, but they weren’t passed. In this legislative session, although it passed, Governor Andy Beshear (D) vetoed the bill.
He stated that the law wasn’t inclusive of religions with standing prayers. Central prayers of faiths like Islam and Judaism cannot be completed while sitting, while traditional Christian prayers can be done in any position. He also questioned whether the wording of the rules would be violated by elementary-aged students unable to sit still and remain quiet.
Beshear’s objection was subsequently overridden by the majority Republican Senate, and the bill was enacted on March 27, 2025.
At Dunbar, implementation of SB 19 has garnered mixed reactions, with some seeing a benefit while others see it as a “waste of time.”
Senior Graham Foster, who identifies as Christian, agrees with the bill in principle; however, he has observed that things are happening a little bit differently than intended. During the moment of silence, he said that he sees students texting, finishing one more page of their book, or whispering to nearby friends.
“If the time is misused, there’s no point,” he said. “We should make sure it’s being used for what it’s intended for, rather than as an excuse to do whatever you want.”
Multiple teachers, who asked to remain anonymous, said that they feel like the bill is moot because students are already allowed to pray at any time. Organizations here at Dunbar also provide students the opportunity to express their beliefs, such as the Fellowship for Christian Athletes (FCA) and the Muslim prayer group, which meets for Jumu’ah, the Friday prayer in Islam.
Another senior, also speaking on the condition of anonymity, put it more bluntly.
“I think it’s a waste of time. I don’t see the point.”
For more information on Senate Bill 19, visit the Kentucky General Assembly.
