Res 1226-2020

By Council Member Deutsch Whereas, Moments of silence are observed at the beginning of school across the country as a secular, non-sectarian way for students (and faculty) to meditate, reflect, set goals, or engage in any other silent, positive activity; and Whereas, More than 30 states, including New York, currently either allow, or mandate, schools to hold a moment of silence; and Whereas, Both students and faculty have attested to the positive effects of a moment of silence at the beginning of school, with then-Assistant Principal Hadar Gafhi of P.S. 191-a school in Brooklyn where the majority of students come from low-income households-saying, "I have seen tremendous changes behavior-wise and in terms of punctuality...We're seeing tremendous academic growth in our kids"; and Whereas, Tuishawn Burke, then a 10-year-old 5th grade student at P.S. 191, expressed in reference to the moment of silence, "I think about how I'm going to make today a great day...It helps me focus more so I can complete my work"; and Whereas, Requiring all public schools to observe a moment of silence has the potential to positively impact students' academic and behavioral progress; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation requiring a moment of silence in all public schools at the beginning of each school day. LS #11633 1/22/2020 4:05 PM M.T.