A coordinated national effort is underway to place religious chaplains in public schools as counselors. Supporters argue that chaplains can help address student mental health needs, but these proposals would introduce school-sponsored religious authority figures into secular educational settings. Unlike licensed school counselors, chaplains are not required to meet standardized professional qualifications, adhere to evidence-based practices or maintain religious neutrality. Allowing chaplains to serve in public schools risks religious proselytizing as part of the school day and undermines the constitutional requirement that schools remain neutral on matters of religion.
Texas became the first state to authorize school chaplains in lieu of licensed counselors in 2023. Florida has since followed and similar legislation has been introduced in other states. Organizations such as the National School Chaplain Association, which describes itself as “a Christian chaplain ministry,” actively recruit and train chaplains for placement in schools while framing the effort as addressing mental health gaps that are often caused by lack of funding. The FFRF Action Fund opposes school chaplain programs and supports policies ensuring that student mental health and counseling services are provided by licensed, qualified professionals bound by secular ethical standards.
Standards for government chaplains that are not listed in school chaplain bills:
Chaplain Qualifications – Frequently Asked Questions
