(C) South Dakota Searchlight
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Bill requiring public schools set policies for chaplain visits, services in SD passes committee • South Dakota Searchlight [1]
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Date: 2025-02
Public school districts in South Dakota would be required to set policies to allow chaplains to serve within school buildings under legislation approved in committee Monday.
Lawmakers in several other states are introducing similar bills this year, said Rep. Al Novstrup, R-Aberdeen, the bill’s primary sponsor.
A chaplain is a certified member of a religious body, such as a Christian denomination, who provides spiritual care for people outside of a religious organization. Chaplains serve in prisons, hospitals, and the military. Novstrup told lawmakers school board policies would spell out the definition of “chaplain,” since neither state law nor the bill define the role.
Faith leaders are already involved in many South Dakota schools through clubs and other outreach efforts, but Novstrup told lawmakers the bill would formalize the effort. School districts would set their own policies, he said, including qualification requirements and parental consent.
Representatives of the state’s public education system opposed the bill, saying it could force school districts to pay for chaplains instead of investing in other aspects of education or mental wellness. The American Civil Liberties Union also opposed the legislation, warning that, if passed, the law could violate the First Amendment and become the subject of lawsuits.
“Even well-intentioned chaplain policies will undermine the fundamental premise of our public education system and violate our longstanding First Amendment principles,” said Samantha Chapman of the ACLU. “We urge you to reject this bill and seek better ways to serve public school students that do not involve unconstitutional, school-sponsored religion.”
House Education Committee members debated the legality of the bill, referencing a provision in the state constitution restricting the use of state funds for sectarian or religious institutions.
“The worst thing that happens is maybe there’s a little more Christianity in schools,” said Rep. Logan Manhart, R-Aberdeen, “and maybe some kids nowadays could use some of that.”
The bill passed out of the House Education Committee 10-5. It’ll head to the House floor next.
Another piece of legislation at the intersection of religion and public schools is a bill would mandate that public schools display the Ten Commandments in every classroom and teach their historical significance. That bill passed the Senate and heads to the House of Representatives.
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