Ohio Republican lawmakers propose allowing chaplains in public schools

[RandySF]

State Rep. Reggie Stoltzfus, R-Paris Township, has filed legislation proposing to allow Ohio’s public school districts to employ chaplains. The proposal comes after Texas lawmakers approved a similar measure over the objections of civil rights groups, academics and even some chaplains themselves.

Stoltzfus’ measure would allow districts to hire chaplains or accept volunteers. Regardless of their status, however, potential chaplains must go through a background check. The bill insists chaplains, “may be offered in addition to, but not in lieu of, school counselor services.”

The proposal also states chaplains aren’t subject to state licensing or certification.

It’s unclear whether the Stoltzfus’ idea would withstand a court challenge. But in recent years the U.S. Supreme Court has been proven more receptive to religion in schools.

The First Amendment’s Establishment Clause is the basis of the separation of church and state doctrine. While some evangelicals and conservatives reject that idea because the phrase “separation of church and state” doesn’t appear in the Constitution verbatim, a string of court cases have reinforced the division.



https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/08/31/ohio-lawmakers-propose-allowing-chaplains-in-public-schools/

[rurallib]

1. Wonder which of the thousands of religion and denominations will get picked

as a chaplain? Or will each school district have thousands of people on call depending on the leanings of the parents of the child?

Will secular or atheists be represented? So many questions!

[bucolic_frolic]

2. They trying to get closer to the kids for some reason.

This would add 5 days per week more access than Sunday school alone.

[3catwoman3]

3. No, no, no, no, NO!!

And as to the question posed in post #2, we get one guess as to which religion these chaplains will promote.

[Pharlo]

4. No.

Too many child molesters in the clergy.

[struggle4progress]

5. When parents want religion-based advising for their children, I should think it

the parents' job to take their children to such advisors

[Xavier Breath]

6. In step 1, school districts can hire chaplains or accept volunteers.

I'm guessing later in step 2, which they don't mention just yet, chaplains will be mandatory.

[NickB79]

7. Church of Satan volunteer chaplains inbound in 3...2...1.....

Wait, no, not THOSE kind of chaplains!