News In Brief

Ban on moment of silence in N.M. schools is upheld

The Supreme Court Monday let stand a New Mexico ruling striking down a law providing for a daily moment of silence in classrooms. The justices effectively passed up a chance to decide whether such moments of silence are an unconstitutional violation of religious fredom. As many as 20 states, including New York, Connecticut, Maryland, and Virginia, have such laws. New Jersey's law was struck down as unconstitutional Oct. 24, but such laws have passed muster in other places.