Meeting Public Comments

Nikolas Nartowicz [Americans United for Separation of Church and State]

Americans United for Separation of Church and State urges you to oppose SSB 3092, which would allow public schools to employ chaplains or approve the as volunteers. You should reject this bill because it will undoubtedly violate the religious freedom of students who have the right to attend school free from religious coercion and to feel welcome in their school regardless of their religious beliefs. Furthermore, students deserve to have qualified counselors. Please see the attached letter for more details.

President Jim Schmidt [Put On Your Armor Foundation/ Helping Public Schools]

Teachers support chaplains in school. Chaplains are critical and NOT political. Ask any soldier. Teachers too are on the front line but have been denied access to Chaplains, and have been discriminated unlike other Iowa citizens who are in the US military, police, first responders, prisoners, state, legislators, state fair workers, U.S. Congress members and other state and government employees. Denying the free exercise of religion violates the U.S. constitution and first amendment rights. Chaplains do not serve as counselors or clergy. They add a safety and spiritual element to the school and are freely available for teachers, administrators and students, especially in times of ptsd, grief and deep, spiritual and emotional needs. Parents, students, teachers, custodians, bus drivers, administrators, coaches, all have the right to a chaplain. Denying a chaplain in school means other citizens would have to be denied the same. No one is forced to see a chaplain.. No different than no one is forced to play sports just because the coach is on campus. School chaplains decrease suicide and drug use, helps in teacher, retention, better school behavior, decreased violence, / bullying while enhancing school spirit. National and international studies prove and have experienced, that chaplains, just like in the military, improve the environment and the campus morale. Chaplains are completely legal and have been supported by Supreme Court rulings, over 200 years of precedence and the freedom offered all Iowa citizens according to laws and Iowa constitution and free access. Thank You for supporting this pro teacher bill.

John Davis []

I think having chaplains in school is a good idea as long the chaplain has adequate training, and the school has policies to identify the chaplains proper role. Many other government institutions (including the US Senate) and corporate companies have chaplains to help individuals deal with a wide array of matters that include stress, anxiety, and other traumarelated issues. Even professional football and sports teams employ chaplains, along with/not replacing counselors, because they know they add a hope factor that helps their athletes. Chaplain service is consentbased, and Ive never heard of a bad experience with a chaplain, even from people who are of other faiths or who identify as atheists.

Thomas Solhjem [GSAR, LLC]

I am a retired chaplain. Former US Army Chief of Chaplains, Major General US Army, Retired. Chaplains provide an invaluable service to those they serve. Spiritual guidance, care, counseling, advice, and support in a pluralistic environment. They perform religious services based on the tenants of their faith tradition and provide for those of different faith backgrounds or none at all. They are there for everyone. To deny their presence in schools would be a violation of the First Amendment. It would also deny their presence and support to the school administrators, teachers, students, parents, and communities. It is not an Establishment issue but rather Free Exercise. The past 50 years of secular policies has brought about a spiritual degradation and disintegration in adolescent spiritual development, formation, and behavior manifested in higher rates of suicide, substance abuse, unwanted pregnancy, depression, anxiety, and risktaking. Our youth lack the moral fiber and grit that leads to poor choices and harmful outcomes. They are not resilient or ready for the realities of adult life. Chaplains bring a critical needed connection that is lacking in our institutions. Evidencedbased scientific research shows that every person is born spiritual (30% innate and 70% environment). That 70% is largely occurring at home, schools, and community. Research reveals that a strong spiritual core, Faithbased living, shared in community with others is the most protective and preventative form of health and wellbeing known. Nothing in the clinical or social sciences compares with the overwhelming evidence and results. It actually contributes to healthy living, longevity and relationships. To deny chaplains in schools simply defies logic. Why wouldnt any parent, school or community want the best for their youth. Chaplain s are also well networked for referrals while providing confidential and protected communication.

RL Thatcher [National School Chaplains Association]

The response around the country for Chaplains to serve in USA schools has been tremendous! It is not surprising given that Chaplains have for decades served in all branches of the military, Police, Fire & other public organizations including Airports, Hospital systems in virtually every community throughout the United States. Indeed, state and federal legislative bodies too embrace the tradition of Chaplaincy. The Iowa Sheriffs & Deputies Association are served by Chaplains as is the Iowa, National Guard.Just a few highlights of our long standing, experience operating school chaplaincy include:Millions of Children in 30,000 + Schools spanning 23 countries are being served by ChaplainsThe results include a 37% Increase in Graduation Rates An 80% Reduction in Teen Pregnancy Zero (0) Suicides... (In my opinion, that is enough validation all on its own)Be assured that Chaplain Presence Improves Student Behavior & Respect for Authorities, SelfRespect & Confidence yielding Motivation & Goal Setting.Chaplains presence in schools Decreases: Bullying, Alcohol & Drug Abuse & Reported Violence in SchoolsThe list of life changing success goes on and on but importantly, teachers and families of PreK12 kids, also benefit mightily!Moreover, Chaplains relieve the shortage of PreK12 family counselors.Thank you for your time, consideration and robust support for this smart legislation.

Frances Peters []

Yes , I am for a chaplain in schools. It would be a benefit for the students and the faculty to have someone to talk to and help them with situations that arise.