Missouri passes legislation to allow chaplains in state schools

Both houses of the Missouri Legislature have approved a bill that would allow paid or volunteer chaplains in state schools. The legislation awaits the signature of Gov. Mike Kehoe.

Chaplains can be accepted as “screened volunteers” at schools to provide support, services or programs for their students, according to the “Columbia Missourian.” They also would be subject to background checks before hiring. Supporters of the bill said there is a large demand for additional counseling services in schools, and chaplains provide a voluntary option for districts that may not have the resources to hire counselors.

As a former educator, Rep. Kem Smith, D-Florissant, spoke in favor of the bill, which she said the will help support both students and teachers.

“There is more trauma than we think when you walk through the doors of a school building,” Smith said. “I do believe that just like a hospital (and) just like a prison, it would be wonderful to have that level of support.”

Opponents fear “indoctrination”

Opponents expressed worries about “indoctrination” if chaplains are introduced in public schools. Rep. Keri Ingle, D-Lee’s Summit, spoke against the bill for that reason. She criticized Republican lawmakers for supporting the bill while claiming to be against the indoctrination of students.

“This is another example of you all being very concerned about indoctrination when it comes to everything except actual indoctrination,” Ingle said.

Rep. Brad Banderman, R-St. Clair, who serves as a chaplain for the Sinclair Police Department and volunteers as a student pastor in his hometown’s school district, said he personally has consoled students and staff in crisis situations. He said he is excited to extend this ability to schools across the state.

“I’m proud of an opportunity to give our school districts another tool in their tool chest to provide care for the children of our state,” he said.

–Alan Goforth