FORT WORTH, Texas — Public school districts across the State of Texas are beginning to weigh whether they’ll allow chaplains to work or volunteer in schools.
The consideration comes following the passage of SB 763, a state law enacted in September that would allow unlicensed religious chaplains to work in Texas public schools.
More than 1,200 school districts across the state must take some form of vote and decide on the issue by March 1 of next year, according to the law. It allows Texas schools to use safety funds to pay for unlicensed chaplains to work in mental health roles. Volunteer chaplains will also be allowed in schools.
During school board meetings on Monday night, Keller ISD and Grapevine-Colleyville ISD approved allowing chaplains on campus in a volunteer capacity. Both districts made it clear that the chaplains will not be serving in advisory or counseling roles, but will serve solely volunteers, just like other individuals who serve the district.
On Tuesday night, Fort Worth ISD school board of trustees considered the issue, which was on the district’s agenda. A handful of public speakers voiced their opposition to allowing chaplains in schools. Out of all public speakers who mentioned the issue, all of them said they opposed it. Board members were in executive session past 10:30 p.m.
“Not only may chaplains lack basic qualifications, their presence in schools is a violation,” one speaker said. “Even if the district decides only on volunteer basis, they still can teach a religion that conflicts with students and parents.”
“If you choose to have chaplains in schools, I will request my kids have no interactions with them without my approval," another parent said.
Fort Worth's meeting lasted into Wednesday morning, and the board of trustees voted to reject having unlicensed religious chaplains in its schools.
At least 100 religious leaders in Texas drafted a letter in opposition to the new law, saying it could be harmful to students and families.
Cantor Sheri Allen of Congregation Beth Shalom in Arlington signed the letter and told WFAA chaplains do not belong in public schools.
“They play an important role, that role should not be in a classroom,” Allen said. “To put them in a position where they would have a chaplain, possibly not of their faith, preaching to them is not acceptable.”
In a statement to WFAA, the National School Chaplain Association said it strongly supports the new law, saying in part: “The ‘Texas Chaplain Act’ provides public education with the same access to specialized social and emotional support that other public and government institutions have benefited from for over 200 years.
Chaplaincy is an effective role that has proven to dissipate tension, relieve anxiety, resolve conflict, and bring hope.”
One by one, all districts in Texas must decide who counsels students moving forward.