Is this a good idea?
Indiana lawmakers are currently deliberating Senate Bill 50, a proposed legislation introduced by Republican Sen. Stacey Donato, representing District 18. If enacted, the bill would permit public schools to employ religious chaplains to offer both secular and religious services. The proposal has gained momentum, having passed committee review after its introduction earlier this month.
Under the legislation, a school superintendent or principal can hire or “approve as a volunteer” a chaplain, provided they hold a “master’s degree in divinity, theology, religious studies, or a related field,” possess two years of counseling experience, pass a criminal background check, and have no convictions requiring sex offender registration. Notably, the chaplain is restricted to providing secular support unless explicit permission is granted by a student, school employee, or the parent or guardian of the student receiving services.
Senator Donato asserts that the bill aims to offer schools an additional resource for addressing students’ emotional needs, providing an option for chaplains to assist in fostering well-rounded students. Currently, Indiana law permits chaplains to volunteer in public schools, but the proposed bill would formalize their role as school employees offering “secular support,” subject to the same rules as school counselors.
While the legislation has garnered support, the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana opposes it, expressing concerns that SB 50 may lead to violations of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The ACLU argues that chaplains, traditionally responsible for pastoral or religious counseling, assuming official roles in public schools could create an environment conducive to religious coercion and indoctrination.
Reverend Gray Lesesne, pastor at Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis, testified against the legislation, contending that it could blur professional boundaries. Lesesne emphasized that even if chaplains provide secular advice, students may struggle to differentiate it from religious counseling, potentially leading to unintended religious influence. He advocates for the role of clergy and people of faith in schools but emphasizes that serving as volunteers aligns more with their training, as they are not licensed or trained to operate as secular mental health professionals or counselors.
This legislative move in Indiana echoes similar developments in Texas, where Governor Greg Abbott signed a law last year allowing school districts to decide on placing chaplains in public schools. The debate surrounding the role of chaplains in educational settings continues, with opinions divided on the potential benefits and risks associated with their official presence.