School districts could start allowing chaplains on campus

AUSTIN, Texas — A new law that goes into effect in September will allow chaplains in public schools. Proponents say it’s to meant to be an added support system, but critics say it’s part of a broader push by Texas Republicans to increase religion’s presence in taxpayer-funded institutions. 

“It’s very troubling,” said Sheri Allen, who’s the co-founder of Makom Shelanu Congregation.

The new law allows school districts to bring in chaplains, as either volunteers or paid employees, to do the job of a counselor. Allen is among more than 100 chaplains who have signed a letter opposing the law. Allen is concerned lawmakers are promoting Christianity.

“It violates the clearest command of the establishment clause, that one religious denomination can’t be officially preferred over another denomination. And that is what this is going to lead to,” Allen said. 

Conservatives believe this bill stands on sturdy legal ground since the law doesn’t favor one religion over the other.

“It’s not necessarily just going to be Christian chaplains, and it leaves it up to the school district to decide for themselves,” said Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston. 

He adds that allowing pastoral care on campus will bring God back into government buildings. He says separating the two has been “harmful.” 

 Texas Republicans advance bills to expand religion in public schools

“This is just a tool, in addition to counselors, that I think would be very valuable to have in our public school system,” Sen. Middleton said. 

Those who signed the letter opposing the law also raise concerns about chaplains taking on the role of a counselor without qualifications. The letter says students should be able to access mental health support from trained professionals without the risk of getting non-consensual spiritual care. They argue that when children are involved, parental consent is necessary.

“Not only are chaplains serving in public schools likely to bring about conflict with the religious beliefs of parents, but chaplains serving in public schools would also amount to spiritual malpractice by the chaplains,” the letter reads. 

Jonathan Saenz, an attorney and president of the conservative group Texas Values, believes having chaplains in schools could help students’ mental health.

“I think it’s great that the legislature has been able to recognize the stress that students have been under, particularly through COVID, and so many different things that have happened, that it’s important to address those concerns,” he said. 

Those who signed the letter disagree. 

“It can be very traumatizing, I think both mental health-wise, spiritually, everything, for a child to feel that they are being caught or coerced into believing in someone else’s theology,” Allen said.

Sen. Middleton’s team says a handful of public school districts have expressed interest, such as Katy, Keller and Friendswood.

The law requires every school district to take a vote on whether to adopt a chaplaincy program by March of next year. If a district decides not to opt-in, they could always change their mind later, and vice versa.

Follow Charlotte Scott on Facebook and Twitter.