‘Chaplains’ for Christian Nationalism
This issue of A Public Witness looks at the problems with recent public school chaplaincy bills by considering what a chaplain really is and what religious freedom actually looks like.
Florida Will Open Schools to Volunteer Chaplains
Opponents cite several problems with the new Florida law that takes effect July 1, including there being no training requirements for these public school chaplains.
Louisiana Lawmakers Want Ten Commandments in All Public School Classrooms
A U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June 2022 has given new hope to those who want the Ten Commandments publicly displayed.
Some State Lawmakers Want School Chaplains as Part of a ‘Rescue Mission’ for Public Education
Many chaplains and interfaith organizations oppose the campaign, calling the motivation offensive and dangerous — especially without standards around proselytizing or serving students from different religious backgrounds.
A Century Ago, One State Tried to Close Religious Schools − A Far Cry From Today
On April 2, Oklahoma’s Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case that could allow a Catholic charter school to open — which critics say would demolish the line between church and state in education.
Let’s Not Destroy What We Helped Build
Contributing writer Sarah Blackwell explores what our role is as Christians when it comes to public schools.
Voucher Expansion Leads to More Students, Waitlists, and Classes for Some Religious Schools
Using public funds to pay for religious school tuition — especially with generous income limits or none at all — remains controversial as proponents gain ground in Republican-majority states.
LifeWise Academy Offers Off-Site Bible Instruction at Various School Districts Across Ohio
A religious instruction program for students to be let out of school to study the Bible is being adopted by more than a quarter of public school districts in Ohio, and across more than a dozen states.
Faith Leaders Renew Push for ‘Accurate’ Black History Education in Florida
Training sessions in Tallahassee and in Orlando will feature curriculum companies whose products could enhance those wishing to teach Black history in schools and churches.
Georgia GOP Senators Seek To Ban Sexually Explicit Books From School Libraries, Reduce Sex Education
Republican senators in Georgia also want to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms and allow religious chaplains to counsel teachers and students.