Oklahoma Senate Bill SB968

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Schools; allowing a school district board of education to contract with a chaplain to perform school counselor duties. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

If enacted, SB968 would amend existing provisions within the Oklahoma Statutes, codifying the role of chaplains in educational environments. This change could significantly impact school counseling practices, allowing for a broader range of professional backgrounds to provide support to students. Advocates of the bill argue that incorporating chaplains would foster a more holistic approach to student welfare, while critics may raise concerns about the qualifications and training of chaplains compared to certified counselors.

Summary

Senate Bill 968 allows school district boards of education in Oklahoma to contract with chaplains to perform duties traditionally fulfilled by school counselors. This bill aims to expand the support system available in schools by enabling religious leaders to serve in a counseling capacity, thereby facilitating the provision of guidance and support to students in need. The measure clarifies that chaplains are not required to meet the same certification standards as licensed teachers, implying a shift in how school counseling might be approached in the state.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding SB968. Supporters assert that the inclusion of chaplains in schools would not only benefit students seeking guidance but also enhance the spiritual aspect of educational services. On the other hand, opponents may argue that this could blur the lines between education and religion, potentially leading to issues regarding secularism in public schools. Ensuring chaplains are subjected to national criminal history record checks may address some safety concerns, but debates over the appropriateness of religious figures acting in a counseling capacity are likely to persist.