DeSantis Approved Religious Guidance in Florida Schools- Satanic Temple Vows to ‘Raise Hell’

Promptly after the bill was signed in April, the Satanic Temple (TST) threatened to “raise hell” on social media after Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz published specific policies for the program.

Instead, TST operates as a reaction to the “instruction of Christian values on American politics.” They often spring up to force religious equality when governments or institutions attempt to manipulate the tenants of separation of church and state.

They write, “No, nor do we believe in the existence of Satan or the supernatural. Satan is a symbol of the Eternal Rebel in opposition to arbitrary authority, forever defending personal sovereignty even in the face of insurmountable odds.”

This means that the group is subject to the same tax laws as any other church and, technically, receives the same freedoms as any other religion.

To which DeSantis replied, “Some have said 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. That is not a religion.”

But after hearing these comments, the TST spoke out, saying their chaplains deserve to participate in the program as much as any other religious leader.

The Satanic Temple also linked a Google Doc with instructions on how people can get involved, including contacting lawmakers and public officials or attending a public hearing.

“Our ministers look forward to participating in opportunities to do good in the community, including the opportunities created by this bill, right alongside the clergy of other religions,” he continued,

It’s important to understand that, according to the law, a chaplain is a certified clergy member who provides religious and spiritual support to individuals. They usually work in the church.

“We encourage all school districts who are wanting to implement that chaplain program to utilize the model policy we have provided to ensure that credible chaplains can volunteer in Florida schools. These chaplains will serve as an additional resource for students, and Florida welcomes legitimate and authorized chaplains to become volunteers at their local schools,” said Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz.

As DeSantis explained, “There are some students where they need some soul craft. That can make all the difference in the world.”

Many Americans have questioned not only the morality of this decision but also its legality.

And thanks to the 1948 case of McCollum v. Board of Education, that amendment applies to the US public school system. 

According to the Constitution, teachers, principals, and even food service or janitorial staff members at public schools cannot ask children about their personal beliefs, encourage religion, or speak in any way against it.

So, while technically, what DeSantis has done may be legal within the United States, the ethics of the bill are still in question.

He also mentioned the uproar caused by the Satanic Temple and noted that this was not a religion that would be qualified for the program.

The model policy defined religion as a group that “acknowledges the existence of and worships a supernatural entity or entities that possesses power over the natural world,” per the document. The school chaplain then must be recognized by the religious leadership and vetted by the school principal.

However, DeSantis has promised parents the vetting process is very thorough, including a detailed background check and interview before being allowed to work with the children.

Several large groups have blasted DeSantis and the new law as a way to indoctrinate children into only following a particular religion.

The chaplain will be available to students who request it but not forced on students who do not wish to use the program.

However, several large school districts pushed back on the guidelines and rejected the new law. The schools had backing from well-known civil rights groups and some Democratic lawmakers to keep schools fair and even for kids of all religions.

Legal expert Sunny Hostin explained that in 1980, the Supreme Court banned Kentucky from requiring Christian messaging in schools, so why are they allowing it now?

DeSantis has already said members of the Satanic church will not be allowed in schools, so what is to stop him from saying Jewish, Islamic, or other denominational leaders cannot participate?

However, the idea of Christian Nationalism is undoubtedly becoming more popular. Presidential candidate Donald Trump is clearly using the Christian religion as part of his platform, and many worry that if he is elected in November, the nation will soon be dubbed a Christian state.