Florida public schools could make use of chaplains under bill going to DeSantis

March 12, 2024

Florida school districts could choose to allow volunteer chaplains in schools under a bill that’s on its way to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. According to Religion News, opponents of the legislation say that religion should be kept out of schools.

Meanwhile, supporters have argued that the bill will provide another resource for children and point to the use of chaplains who serve in other government roles such as police and military. They also point out that the Florida legislature hosts a chaplain of the day when it’s in session.

Republican Erin Grall, who sponsored the bill, said, “It does surprise me about the controversy because we have had chaplains in our public institutions for centuries. I just get frustrated when we talk about that we should exclude all religions in school.”

Opponents have expressed concerns over children receiving bad or unwanted spiritual advice or feeling uncomfortable because they don’t share certain religious beliefs.

Religion News reports that the program would require participating chaplains to undergo a background check and to have their name and denomination listed on the school’s website. Parents would still have to give permission before their children could meet with their school’s chaplain.

Opponents say there’s no place for chaplains in schools and have expressed concern that the chaplains might lack of psychological training or specialized training of how to work with kids.

Photo: Top, Credit: AP Photo/Brendan Farrington