Measure allowing 20 minutes of relaxation in school ready for final passage

(The Center Square) – Illinois students could get the opportunity to take part in periodic relaxation activities, including meditation, 20 minutes a week if a measure advancing at the Illinois Statehouse becomes law.

A House committee took up Senate Bill 2872 Wednesday. State Rep. Laura Faver Dias, D-Grayslake, carried the bill.

“I do want to reiterate it is permissive for them to offer 20 minutes of relaxation a week to support students’ mental health in the form of mindful-based movements, yoga, stretching, meditation breathing exercises, walking and stress-relieving activities,” Faver Dias said.

While they are neutral on the bill because it is a suggestion, not a mandate, John Burkey with the Large Unit District Association said time is limited during the school day.

“Because we have so much to get done in the current school day that if something if we are required to do something more something has to come out,” Burkey said.

- Advertisement -

State Rep. Blaine Wilhour, R-Beecher City, pushed back against bill Faver Dias, in particular about whether parents can opt students out of things like yoga exercises.

“Again I would just like to reiterate that it would need to be non-religious yoga,” Faver Dias said.

“There are certain people that don’t believe there is a non-religious yoga,” Wilhour responded.

Others argued schools should focus on getting proficiency rates up.

State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, said such criticism is out of line.

“I think it is really insulting and really diminishes our respect for the profession of those people that work in our buildings every day,” said Stuart. “This conversation has gotten ridiculous.”

- Advertisement -

The measure passed committee and could be brought up for final passage in the House before advancing to the governor’s desk.

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Bellingham purchases forest property for $3.7M to preserve drinking water source

(The Center Square) – The city of Bellingham, Wash.,...

Trump signs executive order promoting school choice

(The Center Square) – President Donald Trump signed an...

WATCH: Senators question Tulsi Gabbard in confirmation for top intelligence role

Senators questioned former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard on Thursday as...

RFK Jr. set to testify at Senate confirmation hearing

(The Center Square) – Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President...

Hunting org sues WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife over delay in releasing public records

(The Center Square) – The Columbus, Ohio-based Sportsmen’s Alliance...

Legislation aiming to lower property taxes for affordable housing advances

(The Center Square) — The Virginia House of Delegates...

New Hampshire lawmakers weigh ‘term limits’ for public sector unions

(The Center Square) — New Hampshire Republicans have filed...

More like this
Related

Bellingham purchases forest property for $3.7M to preserve drinking water source

(The Center Square) – The city of Bellingham, Wash.,...

Trump signs executive order promoting school choice

(The Center Square) – President Donald Trump signed an...

WATCH: Senators question Tulsi Gabbard in confirmation for top intelligence role

Senators questioned former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard on Thursday as...