The Osceola County School Board voted 3-2 on Tuesday night to deny a motion to implement chaplains in schools, a decision that followed intense public debate and controversy. The motion, introduced by District 3 Board member Jon Arguello, sought to adopt the Florida Department of Education’s recommendation to bring chaplains into schools, following a recent law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in April aimed at providing spiritual support to students in Florida’s public schools.
The proposal sparked significant discussion, with advocates arguing that chaplains are necessary to protect students’ mental health and prevent suicides, while opponents voiced concerns about potential infringements on students’ rights. The debate was further inflamed by a recent incident at a previous school board meeting where The Satanic Temple offered its own Ministers of Satan to advise students, underscoring the divisive nature of the issue.
Lucien Greaves, spokesperson and co-founder of The Satanic Temple, attended Tuesday’s meeting and, along with other opponents, expressed concerns over the introduction of chaplains in Osceola schools. Rabbi David Kay, a member of the Interfaith Council of Central Florida, spoke against the motion, stating, “Bringing our religious leaders into schools is not only unnecessary. It is counterproductive.”
On the other hand, several faith leaders supported the initiative. Kissimmee Christian Church Pastor Jim Book praised the governor’s efforts, stating, “I applaud what the governor is doing. I think to marginalize people of faith and to demonize people of faith is an example where we don’t include them.” He further criticized the board’s decision as discriminatory against people of faith, emphasizing the need for spiritual support in schools.
Public opinion was divided, with some speakers questioning whether the district would be as receptive to the idea if the majority of chaplains were of non-Christian faiths, such as Muslim or Pagan, stating that one religious organization outnumbers all other faiths in this county. Others stressed the importance of students having access to spiritual guidance, regardless of religion, as long as chaplains met state requirements.
In defense of his motion, Arguello accused those opposing the policy of spreading disinformation and fear-mongering. Despite his efforts, the board ultimately decided against the implementation of chaplains.
