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Hands folded in prayer on a Holy Bible Students across the country are facing increasing problems with their mental health. Some lawmakers think they’ve found a creative way to help them. Last year, Texas enacted a new law that would allow public schools to invite volunteer chaplains to counsel students during school hours. In April, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida signed a similar law. Several other state legislatures including, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma, have considered proposals to create chaplaincy programs. These bills have faced fierce criticism, with some alleging that they would violate the First Amendment’s religious liberty protections. But the critics are overreacting. As Supreme Court case law demonstrates, school chaplaincy programs are permitted under the Constitution as long as students are not coerced into participating. Far from violating their rights, chaplaincy programs give students more opportunities to freely exercise their faith. People are also reading… Critic, church mounted ‘campaign’ targeting St. Charles library employee, suit says Expect traffic snarls Sunday in downtown St. Louis with big parade, 2 sporting events St. Charles County library branches may close, cut staff. Board to consider on Friday. Sultan: Why aren’t more of us snacking on cicadas? As interest in chaplaincy […]