The Nebraska Legislature’s Education Committee held a lengthy hearing Monday on several bills related to religion in schools, including one that would allow chaplains to serve in public schools.
Bill Would Permit Chaplains in Schools
LB 549, introduced by Senator Loren Lippincott of Central City, would give schools the option to hire chaplains or allow them to volunteer. Lippincott believes chaplains could provide valuable support for students.
“Chaplains already serve in the military, hospitals, correctional facilities, and mental health centers,” Lippincott said. “If they can be trusted with our firefighters and law enforcement, I think they can be of use in our schools.”
The bill defines a chaplain as “a clergy member that is licensed, ordained, or endorsed by their religious organization and trained to serve in secular environments.” It also states that hiring a chaplain would not be an endorsement of any particular religion.
Supporters of the bill, including Johnny Davis from the National School Chaplain Association, argued that chaplains could help students struggling with anxiety, depression, and other challenges.
“A trained chaplain is someone who is there to help, care for, and listen to students,” Davis said.
Concerns Over Qualifications and Oversight
Opponents of LB 549 raised concerns about the lack of specific hiring requirements for chaplains. The bill states that chaplains must pass a criminal background check but would not need a teaching or counseling certification.
Malinda Jean Baptiste, Assistant Executive Director of the Nebraska Counseling Association, warned that putting unqualified individuals in advisory roles could harm students.
“Non-certified individuals without training in the learning process could hurt Nebraska students and take time away from trained school staff,” Jean Baptiste said.
She pointed to Nebraska’s shortage of school counselors as a more pressing issue. National guidelines recommend a ratio of 250 students per counselor, but Nebraska’s numbers are much higher.
“We’re seeing situations with 1,400 students to one counselor,” she said. “That does not meet national guidelines.”
Religious Freedom Concerns
Some critics argued the bill could lead to religious favoritism in public schools. Levi Hand, a disabled veteran and member of the Satanic Temple, said all religious groups would need equal access if chaplains were allowed.
“The First Amendment guarantees that the same standard of religious inclusivity must apply here,” Hand said. “If chaplains are allowed in public schools, then Satanic chaplains in my congregation will have the same right to serve.”
Hand, who used military chaplains of different faiths during his service, urged lawmakers to reject the bill to keep religion out of public schools.
Next Steps
The Education Committee did not take action on LB 549 during Monday’s hearing. Nebraska News will continue to follow developments on this bill.
