Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters criticized The Satanic Temple (TST) on Wednesday following their announcement that they would deploy ministers to public schools if Senate Bill (SB) 36 is enacted.
“Some have said that if you do a school chaplain program, that, somehow, you’re going to have satanists running around in all our schools. We’re not playing those games in Florida,” DeSantis said. “That is not a religion. That is not qualified to be able to participate in this. So, we’re going to be using common sense when it comes to this. You don’t have to worry about it.”
In a statement, Walters told Fox News Digital “In Oklahoma, we have conservative values. President Joe Biden and the National Education Association want Christianity out of the classroom and are advocating for our kids to have zero morality and faith.”
The superintendent from the Republican party continued, “Let me be crystal clear: Satanists are not welcome in Oklahoma schools, but they are welcome to go to hell.” Walters’ remarks coincide with the passing of SB 36 by Oklahoma’s House, a bill that permits volunteer chaplains in schools.
If enacted, the law would enable volunteer chaplains in public schools, subject to background checks that disqualify individuals with a criminal record, such as sex offenders or felons.
Chaplains could also face dismissal for child abuse, negligence, or moral misconduct. The Satanic Temple (TST) has announced its readiness to send its “ministers” to public schools if the bill is approved.
“While we would prefer states to invest in professional counselors over unlicensed religious support for students, we are prepared to adapt to these legislative conditions,” Rachel Chambliss, TST’s executive director, said. “We are committed to offering compassionate guidance to students who come to us so that we can help make positive changes in their lives by listening to their needs and providing support.”
Should the bill be approved by the Senate, it is scheduled to come into effect on November 1st. Additionally, The Satanic Temple (TST) has issued a challenge to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for a debate on religious freedom.
This challenge arose after the governor excluded satanists from participating in a new chaplain program, akin to Oklahoma’s, that was recently enacted into law.
The Satanic Temple (TST) warned that they would take legal action against the state if any of their members were prohibited from acting as chaplains in the program.
Lucien Greaves, a co-founder of the organization, had informed Fox News Digital that the legislation suggests Governor DeSantis lacks an understanding of how the law functions and is unaware that the bill he signed into law “does in fact allow Satanic chaplains in schools.”
