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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The only requirements for a chaplain participating in a school program would be a background check and having their name and religious affiliation listed on the school website.