Chaplains, Civic Organizations Permitted In FL Schools: DeSantis

KISSIMMEE, FL — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday made way for schools to allow chaplain programs and patriotic organizations on their campuses, per a news release from DeSantis' office.

DeSantis signed House bills 1317 and 931, which permits the presence of chaplains in schools and school visitations from civic and patriotic organizations to encourage student involvement respectively.

The bill signing took place at Tohopekaliga High School in Kissimmee.

Organizations included in HB 931 include: Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the Boy Scouts of America, the Boys and 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.

Under HB 1317, district school boards or charter school governing boards will assign volunteer chaplains to their schools; however, students can only receive support from chaplains with written parental consent.

“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 in a news release. “I’m pleased to be able to expand the variety of options that students have at their disposal in school and we have no doubt that these options will enhance the experiences of our students.”

Chaplains would need to pass background checks, and those who practice Satanism would be forbidden from the program, WFLA reported.

As for the various organizations now allowed in schools, parents can opt their students out of those visits, the outlet reported.