This is a moment of silence, this is not dictating to anyone to pray to God or Allah. We are not pushing anything on anyone. But moments of silence have historically been moments of prayer, said Gary Kalman, deputy director for the ACLU of Greater Philadelphia. Coatesville principals would determine the length of the moment of silence and how to explain it to students. Nolan said a parent came to him last year inquiring about such a policy.
Some parents welcome the revised policy.
Some students in the district support the policy as well. It will put people in the right state of mind before school starts and get their heads straight. Board member Leonard Fredericks said Coatesville is an area rich in tradition, pointing to the annual Thanksgiving football game and the parade that takes place before the senior prom. The school is at 1445 E. Lincoln Highway. Staff writer Eugene Kiely contributed to this story.