AUSTIN, Texas — Texas lawmakers passed Senate Bill 763 on Wednesday, which would allow school districts to replace licensed counselors, psychologists, and family specialists with uncertified “chaplains.” The bill now heads to Gov. Greg Abbott, who is expected to sign it into law.
The following quote can be attributed to David Donatti, ACLU of Texas attorney:
“The same Texas politicians trying to control what students think by banning books and censoring curricula now want to dictate what students worship. This bill is part of a coordinated campaign by conservative Christian-based organizations and their legislative champions to force state-sponsored religion into public schools without parental consent. Replacing well-educated and licensed professionals with uncertified chaplains threatens the safety and education of Texas students. The First Amendment guarantees families and faith communities the right to instill religious beliefs in their children, not politicians or the government.”
