The mandatory moment of silence for Illinois schools is silenced by a federal judge in Chicago. U S District Court Judge Robert Gettlemen extended a ban on the moment of silence to include all school districts in Illinois. The ban initially applied only to a Buffalo Grove District after a parent there complained his family's religious beliefs had been violated. The moment of silence law, passed by the Illinois General Assembly, stated all classes should start the school day with a silent moment to reflect. Lawmakers argued the moment was not a religious exercise, but a way for students to collect their thoughts.