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Ohio Republican lawmakers propose allowing chaplains in public schools

Published

1 year ago

August 31, 2023

Ohio Republican lawmakers propose allowing chaplains in public schools

The following articlewas originally published in the Ohio Capital Journal and published on News5Cleveland.com under a content-sharing agreement.

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.

Can they do that?

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.

The most notable in that line is Lemon v. Kurtzman, which set forth a three-part test. To pass muster, a law must have a secular purpose, not advance or inhibit religion and not create excessive government entanglement. But after the U.S. Supreme Court’s rightward lurch, that test has been largely abandoned.

Last year, in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, the court sided with a high school football coach whose contract wasn’t renewed over his practice of praying at 50-yard line after games. The majority set aside the three-part Lemon test and instead reached its decision by considering “original meaning and history.” Based on that reading, the majority determined the Establishment Clause “neither mandates nor permits the government to suppress” personal religious observance.

What happened in Texas?

The organization behind Texas’ law is the National School Chaplain Association, which describes itself as a subsidiary of the non-profit Mission Generation. Although chaplains in the armed forces, for instance, represent a broad array of religious creeds, NSCA describes its mission in explicitly Christian terms.

In a YouTube fundraising plea, Mission Generation describes its chaplains as “youth pastors.”

“Currently Mission Generation chaplains disciple millions of people in 22 countries using the infrastructure of national school systems to bring children to Jesus,” the video adds. “It is exceptionally efficient, costing only 10 cents a year per disciple — literally making every penny count for the gospel.”

Unlike Stoltzfus’ proposal, the Texas law directs every school board to vote on whether to authorize chaplains by March 2024. In a letter to superintendents and school board members. the ACLU as well as the Freedom from Religion Foundation and Americans United for Separation of Church and State urged officials to reject the idea.

They argued courts have upheld chaplains in settings like prisons, hospitals and the armed forces because people have limited access to religious services otherwise. The coalition argued students are in a different boat. They add that students come from many different faiths, but choosing a chaplain will “inherently give preference to particular denominations.”

Citing Kennedy, they argued the court reached its decision in part because the coach didn’t coerce participation his post-game prayers.

“Allowing (chaplains) to assume official positions,” the letter states, “whether paid or voluntary — in public schools will create an environment ripe for religious coercion and indoctrination of students.”

In case there was any doubt, Mission Generation explicitly states their goal is to proselytize.

“Having successfully navigated opposition to the gospel in public schools, Mission Generation is positioned to bring the school Chaplain program to the U.S.,” their YouTube video says.

“A pilot program launches in 2022,” the funding pitch continues. “It will cost more per disciple than the international program which is why we need your help. Would you agree that it is time for the God of the Bible to come back to U.S. schools? Invest in the lives of children by bringing them the hope that is only found in Christ Jesus.”

Ohio outlook

Stoltzfus didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. But in an interview with Spectrum News he and one of his co-sponsors emphasized chaplains’ ability to provide mental health support in Ohio schools.

While Ohio Education Association President Scott DiMauro agrees that’s a need, he questions whether chaplains are a legitimate solution.

“We need mental health specialists, we need fully trained school counselors, school social workers, school nurses,” DiMauro said. “I’m not sure that someone who is a religious chaplain who doesn’t have training to be a mental health support person is necessarily going to help solve that problem.”

DiMauro also expressed concern about the motives evinced by Texas lawmakers. He noted lawmakers rejected an amendment barring religious proselytizing and requiring parental consent.

“I think that raises some serious concerns about parental rights in the process as well,” he said. “We want to make sure there isn’t any proselytizing and parents are fully informed.”

For now, the OEA has not taken a formal position on the bill, but DiMauro said they have significant concerns. “There’s no clear reason why that approach makes sense,” DiMauro said, “and I think we’re hoping that the bill just doesn’t go anywhere.”

House leaders haven’t assigned the bill to a committee yet. But two of its co-sponsors sit on the House Primary and Secondary Education committee; one of them, Rep. Sarah Fowler Arthur, R-Ashtabula, serves as the committee’s vice-chair.

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Ohio Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 Midday winning numbers for Nov. 25, 2024

Published

3 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Press Room

The Ohio Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Nov. 25, 2024, results for each game:

Powerball

Powerball drawings are held Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m.

05-35-45-60-63, Powerball: 12, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 3

Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at 12:29 p.m. and 7:29 p.m., except Saturday evening.

Midday: 3-9-2

Evening: 2-5-7

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 4

Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at 12:29 p.m. and 7:29 p.m., except Saturday evening.

Midday: 6-3-7-8

Evening: 3-0-9-9

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 5

Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at 12:29 p.m. and 7:29 p.m., except Saturday evening.

Midday: 5-8-3-9-5

Evening: 5-9-5-8-5

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Rolling Cash 5

Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at approximately 7:05 p.m.

12-13-18-37-39

Check Rolling Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Classic Lotto

Drawings are held Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, at approximately 7:05 p.m.

16-17-30-35-41-48, Kicker: 8-8-3-1-7-8

Check Classic Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Lucky For Life

Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at approximately 10:35 p.m.

07-10-14-33-36, Lucky Ball: 01

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Enquirer digital news director. You can send feedback using this form.

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Ohio (OHSAA) high school football playoff brackets, matchups, game times (11/13/2024)

Published

11 hours ago

November 25, 2024

Press Room

Ohio (OHSAA) high school football playoff brackets, matchups, game times (11/13/2024)

The 2024 Ohio high school playoffs are on to the regional final as four teams remain in each division.

High School on SI has brackets for every division of Ohio high school football for you to keep track of all the playoff matchups.

>>Ohio high school football brackets

District brackets are below. All games are on November 29.

St. Edward vs. Olentangy Liberty

Archbishop Moeller vs. Centerville

Big Walnut vs. Anderson

Archbishop Hoban vs. Avon

Bishop Watterson vs. London

Ursuline vs. Central Catholic

Taft vs. Indian Valley

Perkins vs. Glenville

Liberty Center vs. South Range

Ironton vs. West Liberty-Salem

Kirtland vs. Northmor

Coldwater vs. Bluffton

Hillsdale vs. Danville

Marion Local vs. Coloumbus Grove

2024 OHIO FOOTBALL: FIND YOUR TEAM

Can’t make it to your favorite team’s game but still want to watch them live? You can watch dozens of Ohio high school football games live on the NFHS Network:

WATCH OHSAA GAMES LIVE ON NFHS NETWORK

To get live updates on your phone – as well as follow your favorite teams and top games – you can download the SBLive Sports app:

Download iPhone App | Download Android App

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Ohio State football should not feel bad about not taking a knee against Indiana | Oller

Published

19 hours ago

November 25, 2024

Press Room

Ohio State football should not feel bad about not taking a knee against Indiana | Oller

Taking a knee to the privates typically hurts more than not taking a knee to the artificial turf, but in Indiana, Las Vegas and some parts of Buckeye Nation, “kneelgate” blew up loud and long over the weekend, causing pain, disdain and a “What’s the big deal?’’ refrain.

To refresh: Ohio State led Indiana 31-15 Saturday when Buckeyes tailback TreVeyon Henderson broke off a 39-yard run with 1:11 left in the game. If Henderson had scored, instead of intentionally sliding to a stop at the 1-yard line, the points margin would have ballooned to 23 points “organically,” the issue of what to do next would be moot and controversy would have been avoided.

Instead, after Henderson gave himself up so that OSU could take more time off the clock by running a few more plays, coach Ryan Day approved back-to-back quarterback sneaks instead of having Will Howard take a knee in a standard expression of sportsmanship.

Howard was stopped for no gain on first-and-goal, but scored on second down with 35 seconds left.

Uh-oh. A lot of Indiana fans took umbrage with Day’s decision – IU coach Curt Cignetti shrugged it off as OSU’s coach doing what he thought the team needed at the moment – while Ohio State fans were mixed, with a majority supporting Day’s decision. Those with no skin in the game either scratched their head when OSU scored, given their view on traditional run-out-the-clock protocols, or reasoned, “Isn’t the point of playing the game to score points?”

Then there are the gamblers, who I contend are the biggest source of the kerfuffle, like rabble rousers fanning flames of discontent among a simmering crowd. The over/under was 52.5 points, so bettors who wagered the teams would combine to score under that total were at first happy/thrilled/ecstatic when Henderson slid down short of the goal line, then equally disappointed/angry/outraged when OSU opted to run a QB sneak that bumped the points total to 53.

“Ryan Day cost me a lot of money,” a friend muttered Sunday into my mostly unsympathetic ear.

I promise you similar harrumphing could be heard across the country. And the harangues had nothing to do with sportsmanship and everything to do with selfish gain or “unfair” loss. Forgive me if I don’t play my sad trombone for these poor unfortunates.

Likewise, I’m not playing “What a shame” on my air violin for Indiana fans miffed by Day’s decision. I understand the frustration, but the overreaction is ridiculous. Put it this way: A lot of those crying foul over OSU scoring seven more points, as if some violent crime had been committed, saw nothing wrong with Cignetti saying Ohio State and Michigan “suck” when he addressed fans at an IU basketball game in December. I can hear it now: “Aw shucks, coach was just trying to pump up the crowd and build a more intimidating culture.”

My take? I found Cignetti’s “insult” more funny than offensive, but if you’re going to call out an opponent for sucking, you better prepare to have the putdown put down your throat when that opponent gets a chance.

After Saturday’s game, Day said he wanted to put an “exclamation point on the win.” Left unsaid: “Our honor defend, we will fight to the end … .” Day sent a message not to mess with the Buckeyes. Was it a case of faux toughness on display? Perhaps, but when your team has been labeled as soft for four years, you tend to take it personally. Given a chance to do something about it, you act.

I value sportsmanship, and push come to shove would have preferred Howard take a knee, but I won’t get bent out of shape about it. For one thing, the Associated Press and College Football Playoff ranking systems factor scoring margin into their thinking. For another, this was a game between two top-five teams, not OSU vs. Olentangy Liberty. The quality of the opponent doesn’t completely release a coach from pouring on points, but it does factor into the circumstances.

Indiana wants to be taken seriously as a national contender? Great, then stop whining. Or stop Ohio State at the goal line.

Jameis Winston brings joy and fun to football

After 40 years of writing about sports, it is easier to become jaded by the coaches and athletes who play the games, which is why I am delighted by Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston.

Winston’s enthusiasm for football and excitement about his faith, mixed with a dynamic personality, makes him my newest favorite athlete.

The 30-year-old man-child is part preacher, part circus clown (not in a creepy way) and part cheerleader. He also is good enough to start, although admittedly that is a fairly low bar, considering who he plays for.

Winston has had his share of issues, both at Florida State, where in 2013 he won the Heisman Trophy, and at New Orleans, where last season he sabotaged his coach’s instructions during a game. But his joie de vivre is so intoxicating that it’s hard not to root for him.

Winston mic’d up during games is a must-listen, and his pregame and postgame interviews are as heartfelt as they are hilarious.

What resonates most about him, though, is his gratitude for being able to play a game that millions of fans would love to suit up and try. Winston’s attitude is refreshing, especially when compared to Deshaun Watson, whose dour disposition as a Browns quarterback leaves a lot to be desired.

Winston is not having a spectacular season filling in for the injured Watson – 62.2 completion percentage, 1,266 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions – but given a choice I’ll take him over Watson. Any guy willing to make snow angels on the field, like Winston did after Thursday’s 24-19 win against Pittsburgh, is OK by me.

Listening in

“I think 120 is a beautiful number, I think it’s very competitive. I think a cut is an integral part of our sport and I think it would be really cool to play Signature Events at 120 players over the 72. With eight tournaments, that’s 400 more playing opportunities.” – PGA Tour player Maverick McNealy after winning the RSM Classic Sunday, commenting on the recent decision by the tour to reduce field sizes.

Off-topic

I try to live by this travel rule: Don’t spend more time driving than hours awake at the travel destination. But sometimes it comes close. Like Thanksgiving week. My 15-hour drive to and from North Carolina, with stops, is only about two hours shorter than the time I’ll spend at the family farm near Chapel Hill. But seeing in-laws and my adult children – coming in from Oakland, Chicago and Brooklyn, New York – is well worth it.

roller@dispatch.com

@rollerCD