OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Osceola County School Board will discuss Florida’s new school chaplain program at its meeting Tuesday after putting a pause on the topic earlier this month.
The board held off on moving forward with the program after the Satanic Temple sent a letter to the district asking to be a part of the program.
What You Need To Know
- The Osceola County School Board is the first in Florida to discuss how to implement the new state chaplain program
- Last week, the Florida Department of Education detailed a two-page model policy, including definitions for terms like “chaplain,” “local religious affiliation,” and “religion”
- DeSantis also signed a bill in April that allows civic and patriotic organizations to visit schools, encouraging student participation and involvement
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the HB 931 into law in April while in Osceola County, saying the satanic organization would not be allowed.
The district is the first in Central Florida, and among the first statewide, to discuss how to implement this program. Last week, the Florida Department of Education detailed a two-page model policy that included definitions for terms like “chaplain,” “local religious affiliation,” and “religion.”
The bill establishes a statewide school chaplain program that permits school districts and charter schools to allow volunteer chaplains on campuses and provide additional counseling support to students.
According to the state, chaplains will be assigned by the district school board or charter school governing board. And a student may only receive support offered by school chaplains with written parental consent.
“We encourage all school districts who are wanting to implement that chaplain program to utilize the model policy we have provided to ensure that credible chaplains can volunteer in Florida schools. These chaplains will serve as an additional resource for students, and Florida welcomes legitimate and authorized chaplains to become volunteers at their local schools,” said Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz.
During Tuesday’s board meeting, members plan to lead “the discussion on a resolution and plan for implementing” the program.
Central Florida Freethought Community, a group that opposes the policy, also plans to speak during public comment.
Other school districts across Central Florida, including Orange, Lake and Seminole counties, said they have no plans to discuss the program yet.
DeSantis also signed HB 1317 into law in April, which authorizes districts to allow civic and patriotic organizations to visit schools to encourage student participation and involvement. Those organizations include: