Across the United States, there is a growing trend to introduce religious chaplains into public schools.

Thirteen states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah, have proposed bills allowing chaplains to serve as school counselors or volunteers. Texas already permits chaplains in schools, having passed SB 763 in Summer 2023. Supporters argue that these measures aim to address a shortage of school counselors.

Critics, however, raise concerns about the vague criteria for qualifying as a “chaplain” for counseling students. During the debate preceding the passage of SB 763 in Texas, opponents likened the qualification process to obtaining an online marriage ordination. They argue that allowing uncertified individuals to counsel students is problematic. Under Texas law, chaplains employed or volunteering in schools are not required to be certified by the State Board for Educator Certification; they only need to pass a criminal background check.

Some critics have argued the trend is unconstitutional.

“Chaplains play an important role in many institutions in our state but, they should not hold official positions in our public schools. Allowing chaplains’ offices in school will open up our students to religious coercion and runs counter to our Constitutional principles,” said the ACLU of Indiana Executive Director, Chris Daley, “Moreover, chaplains, as defined in SB 50, do not have the training or experience needed to successfully counsel Hoosier students.”  

However, some proponents say that the chaplains would only provide secular counseling to students. There is also legal precedent for chaplains in public settings. The military has had them for years. Additionally, the Supreme Court has also upheld a coach’s right to lead a prayer with his players. Still, many advocacy groups have pledged to fight chaplains in school.