Coventry Senator Calling For 9/11 Moment Of Silence In Schools

COVENTRY, RI — A local senator is calling for a moment of silence in Rhode Island schools on September 11. Senator Lou Raptakis said Wednesday that he plans to introduce a bill that would make the practice mandatory in public schools on the anniversary of the attack.

"After the New York law was brought to my attention, I thought this policy would also be useful in Rhode Island’s classrooms," the Coventry Democrat said. "September 11 was one of the most seminal events in our country’s history and as each anniversary of the event goes by, it’s important that we impress the significance of the attack on our students to not only memorialize all that were lost and sacrificed during the attacks, but also to help engage in conversations with students about the impact and history of that terrible day."

Raptakis said the bill is based off of a new law recently signed into law in New York. Requiring the moment of silence would give Rhode Island students a chance to both remember and discuss the attacks. If passed during the upcoming legislative session, the law would be in effect for the upcoming 20th anniversary on September 11, 2021.