22-27-2: Findings; purpose.

A. The legislature finds that:

(1) the first amendment of the United States constitution protects religious freedom and freedom of speech;

(2) the constitution of New Mexico protects each citizen's rights to worship God according to the dictates of the citizen's conscience; and

(3) the constitution of New Mexico prohibits public schools from requiring attendance or participation by students or teachers in any religious service.

B. The purpose of the Meditation in Public School Act is to foster respect for the educational process and environment and to provide for the right of every public school student to exercise his freedom of conscience on public school grounds without pressure from the state, any public school, teacher, school personnel or other student.