Judge favors expanding 'moment of silence' lawsuit into class-action

CHICAGO But Judge Robert Gettleman says he wants to hear from both sides about whether schools immediately would have to stop enforcing the Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act because of an earlier injunction.

Some districts now require a brief period of prayer or reflective silence at the start of every school day. Other districts, including Chicago, have stopped enforcing the law as they wait for the court to decide on its constitutionality.

The judge set March 28th for the next hearing.

Meanwhile, legislation has been introduced in Springfield to remove the words "student prayer" from the law and make it optional.