TX: Bill allowing chaplains in schools raises some concerns [View all]

Source: Austin American-Statesman

Bill allowing chaplains in schools raises some concerns

Keri Heath, Austin American-Statesman
Sun, May 28, 2023 at 8:59 PM EDT·3 min read

The Texas House and Senate have approved a bill that would let school districts employ chaplains as a way to ease the shortage of counselors in schools, sending the bill to Gov. Greg Abbott to become law.

While some lawmakers and rights advocacy groups have raised concerns about the use of religious-affiliated staff in public schools, law experts say the bill skirts along a legal gray area concerning faith in campuses.

Senate Bill 763 would allow districts to employ chaplains or accept them as volunteers to provide support for students.

During the final House vote on the bill this week, Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, questioned the lack of requirements for participants in the chaplain program.

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Read more: https://news.yahoo.com/bill-allowing-chaplains-schools-raises-005938866.html