Chaplains in public schools? Florida bill would give options for religious counselors

A Florida bill that would allow chaplains to provide counseling services to public school students is gaining traction — and opposition — in the Legislature. The bill (SB 1044) would give schools districts and charter schools an option to use volunteer chaplains to provide counseling and other services to students. Supporters say chaplains would help address a shortage of mental health counselors in many schools and that parents would have to approve counseling. But opponents argue it’s a slippery slope that opens the doors of public schools to religious influence, and could put some students ...