MIAMI.- Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida, signed two legislative projects related to education, HB1317 allows so-called Patriotic Organizations to go to schools to promote their activities, while HB931 authorizes volunteer school chaplains to attend educational centers to provide support and services.
“We are going to sign two bills that will help improve the experience of students by providing them with more resources to, in difficult times, help them make the most of their own lives, the opportunities available to them, and realize their dreams,” said the governor. at a press conference at Tohopekalia High School in Kissimmee, this Thursday, April 18.
HB 1317 authorizes Florida School Districts to allow representatives of Patriotic Organizations to speak with students on school campuses, distribute certain materials, and hold displays related to their functions.
The new rule, signed by DeSantis, authorizes groups such as Big Brother-Big Sisters of America, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Marine Corps League, Navy Seal Cadet Corps and Little League Baseball to visit schools to publicize their organizations.
“Our opinion is that allowing them to come and explain to students why they should participate in Little League Baseball, or Future Farmers of America, is a positive thing,” the president said.
“I think it’s much better for students to participate in any of these activities than to just go home and be connected to electronic devices for the rest of the day.”
The governor clarified that it is not mandatory to attend meetings with the aforementioned organizations. “Florida is a free state. In any case, Districts must notify parents when organizations come to schools and parents have the option of not giving consent for their child to participate.”
For its part, HB 931 establishes a statewide school chaplain program.
“We believe that School Districts have the right to bring in chaplains to offer voluntary services.”
According to DeSantis, this policy clarifies the authority Districts have to authorize volunteer chaplains to attend camps to provide additional counseling and support to students.
“There are some students who know that they need support in their soul and this can make a difference,” he argued.
The governor stressed that participation is voluntary and that “students can receive this support service only if parents give written consent.”
“If parents are not interested in that, then their children do not have to be involved in any way,” he insisted.
The law requires School Districts to publish on their website the list of all chaplains and their religious affiliations, “so that parents can evaluate whether any of them fit the spiritual needs they have for their children.”
The bill also states that state and federal criminal background checks must be conducted on volunteer chaplains with access to schools.
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