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Relaxation activities may include, but are not limited to,
mindful-based movements, yoga, stretching, meditation, breathing
exercises, guided relaxation techniques, quiet time, walking,
in-person conversation and other activities. Senate Bill 2872
would allow a school district to partner with a local
community-based organization to provide the activities.
State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, said downtime is needed
because today’s children are facing more trauma than ever
before.
“I have read countless articles about the benefits of
mindfulness and stress reduction in classrooms,” said Mason. “It
improves grades, it improves concentration, it helps kids cope.”
State Rep. Blaine Wilhour, R-Beecher City, said the legislation
will make school districts vulnerable to lawsuits as was the
case in Chicago.
“This is a very bad idea,” said Wilhour. “There are already
cases where situations like this have been abused. The Chicago
Public Schools have paid money to negate this very issue.”
One class action lawsuit involves David Lynch’s “Quiet Time”
transcendental mediation program at some Chicago schools. The
lead plaintiff said she was pressured to sign a consent form and
nondisclosure agreement about the program.
After a rousing debate, the House passed the bill by a 71-40
vote. It now heads to the governor for his signature.
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