With the Oklahoma House's passage of Senate Bill 36, which permits the participation of uncertified chaplains in public schools, The Satanic Temple (TST) has announced its plans to have its Ministers in public schools in the Sooner State. If the bill advances through the Senate, this legislation will take effect on November 1, 2024. State Superintendent Ryan Walters, a vocal advocate for religious freedom in schools, has endorsed the legislation. The House approved SB 36 by a 54-37 vote on Wednesday.
The Satanic Temple, a federally recognized religious organization, has expressed its dedication to religious pluralism and community service. “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,” noted Rachel Chambliss, TST’s Executive Director of Operations. “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.”
Chambliss further highlighted the potential employment of TST’s Ministers in Oklahoma’s educational system as a groundbreaking initiative for equal religious representation. “SB 36 offers an unprecedented opportunity for our Ministers of Satan to join the state workforce,” she stated. “With State Superintendent Walters and 54 House representatives endorsing the bill, we anticipate extensive political support to ensure that TST’s Satanic chaplains are afforded equal opportunities to participate in this program.”
The Satanic Temple has recurrently emerged in legislative discussions about school chaplains in other states that are considering passing a similar law. Earlier this year, TST's potential involvement led Utah legislators to reject a school chaplain bill. Similarly, Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis recently claimed that Satanic chaplains would be barred from participating in his state’s new program.
