SB164 would allow schools to employ chaplains or accept volunteer chaplains. Instead of addressing the dire need for qualified mental health support in public schools, this bill would invite religious leaders to take on sensitive and critical responsibilities, such as counseling students, without the same qualifications as school counselors or other school staff. Allowing chaplains in public schools violates students' and families right to religious freedom. And, because chaplains are typically not trained to provide educational or counseling services to youth, students are likely to receive inadequate mental health support that, in some cases, may be harmful. SB 164 would allow anyone who can pass a background check and get a letter from a religious organization to have access to our children -- even without our knowledge.
