Gov. Ron DeSantis

Legislation signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis will allow public schools to host chaplain programs in schools as well as “patriotic organizations” on campus.

“Faith leaders and civic organizations are important additional resources for students who may be facing challenges or need to build community and camaraderie,” DeSantis said during a press conference announcing the signing of the bills.

“It provides students with even more resources to be able to help them through difficult times, make the most of their own lives, realize all their opportunities and dreams,” he said.

The bill allowing chaplains in schools establishes a statewide school chaplain program which will allow school districts to allow volunteer chaplains to be on school campuses and provide additional counseling support to students.

Chaplains would be assigned by the district school board or charter school governing board. A student may only receive support offered by school chaplains with written parental consent.

“These students need some soul craft and that can make all the difference in the world,” he said.

“You have a right to come and offer these services. It’s totally voluntary for a parent or a student to participate. No one is being forced to do anything. But to exclude religious groups from campus, that is discrimination. You are basically saying that God has no place. That is wrong. That is not what our founders intended.”

DeSantis said the chaplains can provide counseling and mentorship from faith leaders.

“Parents can make these judgments about whether any of those fit the needs they think for their kids,” DeSantis said. “Providing our kids with more resources is better.”

DeSantis said the state will use “common sense” when determining which religious groups will be able to have a presence in schools.

Patriotic organizations in schools

The other new state law signed by DeSantis authorizes school districts to allow civic and patriotic organizations to visit schools to encourage student participation and involvement, pass out materials and station displays. They can also use any other communication channels handled by the district.

The law would allow the organizations to speak to students during school hours and during school instructional time and encourage students to join their organizations. The law allows the groups to inform students how they can help the students achieve their educational goals and further civic involvement.

The bill would allow parents to opt out from having their children hear from the groups. The groups would have to provide enough notice to parents about their presentations so that parents can withhold their consent from having their children partake.

DeSantis said the organizations that could be allowed include Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, The Boy Scouts of America, The Boys & Girls Clubs of America, The Civil Air Patrol, Future Farmers of America, The Girl Scouts of the United States of America, Little League Baseball, The Marine Corps League and The Navy Seal Cadet Corps.

“It’s really important that kids stay active,” DeSantis said. “I think students are better off being involved in any of these activities.”