Current:Home > ScamsFlorida public schools could make use of chaplains under bill going to DeSantis-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Florida public schools could make use of chaplains under bill going to DeSantis
View Date:2024-12-23 23:30:12
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida school districts could opt to allow volunteer chaplains in schools under a bill the Legislature sent to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis over the objections of opponents who argued that religion should be kept out of schools.
Supporters argued the legislation will provide another resource for children and pointed to chaplains who serve in other government roles, such as police or military chaplains. The Legislature also hosts a chaplain of the day when it’s in session and there’s a non-denominational chapel in the state Capitol.
“It does surprise me about the controversy because we have had chaplains in our public institutions for centuries,” said Republican Erin Grall, who sponsored the bill. “I just get frustrated when we talk about that we should exclude all religions in school.”
But opponents said children could receive bad or unwanted spiritual advice or feel uncomfortable because they may not share the same religious beliefs.
The only requirements of a chaplain participating in a school program would be a background check and having their name and religious affiliation listed on the school website. The chaplains would “provide support, services, and programs to students as assigned by the district school board,” the bill reads.
Schools would have to publish online the names and religions of chaplains picked to participate in the program, and parents would have to give permission before children could meet with them.
Still, opponents said there’s no place for chaplains in schools, especially when there’s no requirement that they be trained in psychology or to work with children.
“The minute that you try to put your religion upon other people, that’s when it becomes a problem, and as a member of a minority religion, I feel it every day and it makes me so uncomfortable,” said Democratic Sen. Tina Polsky, who is Jewish. “To me, religion is something you choose to do with your family after school.”
veryGood! (4)
Related
- Video shows masked man’s apparent attempt to kidnap child in NYC; suspect arrested
- Sailors are looking for new ways to ward off orca attacks – and say blasting thrash metal could be a game changer
- What's Making Us Happy: A guide to your weekend viewing and listening
- The story behind the Osama bin Laden videos on TikTok
- Judge moves to slash $38 million verdict in New Hampshire youth center abuse case
- Las Vegas high schoolers facing murder charges in their classmate’s death due in court
- Federal prison worker gets 8 years for abusing female inmates; investigation ongoing
- Arizona man found dead at Grand Canyon where he was hiking popular trail
- John Robinson, successful football coach at USC and with the LA Rams, has died at 89
- Pilot suffers minor injuries in small plane crash in southern Maine
Ranking
- FSU football fires offensive, defensive coordinators, wide receivers coach
- Ex-federation president ruled unfit to hold job in Spanish soccer for 3 years after kissing player
- Hungary issues an anti-EU survey to citizens on migration, support for Ukraine and LGBTQ+ rights
- How 'Fahrenheit 451' inspires BookPeople of Moscow store to protect books and ideas
- FanDuel Sports Network regional channels will be available as add-on subscription on Prime Video
- Russian artist sentenced to 7 years for antiwar protest at supermarket: Is this really what people are being imprisoned for now?
- Struggling with what to bring to Thanksgiving dinner? These tips can keep the host happy.
- Man accused of kidnapping a 9-year-old girl from New York park is charged with rape
Recommendation
-
'He's driving the bus': Jim Harbaugh effect paying dividends for Justin Herbert, Chargers
-
Ukrainian marines claim multiple bridgeheads across a key Russian strategic barrier
-
Alex Murdaugh pleads guilty to financial crimes in state court, adding to prison time
-
K-Pop star Rose joins first lady Jill Biden to talk mental health
-
Amtrak service disrupted after fire near tracks in New York City
-
Ravens TE Mark Andrews suffered likely season-ending ankle injury, John Harbaugh says
-
America's Most Wanted fugitive who eluded authorities for decades sentenced for killing Florida woman
-
Madagascar’s incumbent President Rajoelina takes early lead in vote marked by boycott, low turnout