Illinois Statute Expands Permissible Student Prayer

Yesterday Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner signed HB 165 (full text) amending the Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act to permit students during non-instructional time before or after school to engage not only in individually initiated prayer, but also "collectively initiated, non-disruptive prayer or religious-based meetings, including without limitation prayer groups, B I B L E (Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth) clubs, or "meet at the flagpole for prayer" days," However these may not be "sponsored, promoted or endorsed in any  manner by the school or any school employee."