A controversial group looks to join school chaplain program under proposed OK legislation
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – An Oklahoma Senate Bill could allow chaplains in public schools, which may include ministers with The Satanic Temple if signed into law.
Senate Bill 36 would allow public schools in the state to hire religious chaplains to counsel and work with their students. Recently updated language to the bill says public schools could “employ or accept one or more volunteer chaplains” to counsel and support students, as long as they get approval from their district’s school board.
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“We heard a lot of talk about a lot of those support staffs, people such as counselors, having shortages,” Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, said. “I felt like this would be a good way to open that door to possibly get some help.”
According to The Satanic Temple (TST), it is a federally recognized religious organization who has “expressed its dedication to religious plurality and community service”.
“While we would prefer states to invest in professional counselors over unlicensed religious support for students, we are prepared to adapt to these legislative conditions,” said Rachel Chambliss, TST’s Executive Director of Operations. “We are committed to offering compassionate guidance to students who come to us so that we can help make positive changes
in their lives by listening to their needs and providing support.”
Chambliss says SB 36 offers an opportunity for TST’s ministers to get involved in the state workforce.
“With State Superintendent Walters and 54 House representatives endorsing the bill, we anticipate extensive political support to ensure that TST’s Satanic chaplains are afforded equal opportunities to participate in this program.”
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Rep. West noted that parameters are also being put together for schools to expand on if necessary. SB36 would not restrict school boards from allowing schools to hire multiple chaplains representing multiple faiths, or to not hire any chaplains at all.
“That’s basically a bare minimum. And I trust the local school district to, that people—and I mean as far as whatever your particular religious background is, you could have a Satanist that’s a teacher or a Baptist or Catholic or whatever. So I see this kind of as the same.”
West added that he plans to add language clarifying students would not be required to interact with their school’s chaplain if they do not want to.
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