From: Thrive: The Jewish Coalition to Defend Trans and LGBTQ+ Youth

Dear Elected Official,

As representatives of Jewish organizations committed to pikuach nefesh, saving and affirming the lives of others, we write to express our concerns regarding the legislation to allow chaplains into public schools. As Jews, we oppose this legislation because it will create unsafe school environments for all students, especially Jewish and LGBTQ+ children.

Our Jewish tradition emphasizes education and compassion, and we work to ensure all children get to excel academically, emotionally, and spiritually. While chaplains of all religions can provide spiritual and emotional guidance, they do not have the expertise and qualifications of professional school counselors who undergo rigorous education and licensing to address diverse student needs. Having chaplains in schools instead of licensed counselors increases the risk of harm to LGBTQ+ students who have historically faced discrimination and exclusion within religious contexts. 

By allowing chaplains to provide mental health support without adequate safeguards against discrimination or bias, these bills risk further marginalizing vulnerable youth and perpetuating harmful stereotypes and attitudes. We have seen time and again that LGBTQ+ students who face marginalization, especially due to religious beliefs, are at a higher risk of suicide and self-harm.

The inclusion of chaplains in public schools also raises concerns about religious freedom, especially for students from minority religious traditions. With no guarantees that volunteer chaplains will represent a variety of religious denominations or refrain from proselytizing, chaplain bills compromise the separation of church and state, endangering the fundamental right to a secular education, free from indoctrination. Public schools should be inclusive for people of diverse faiths, ensuring students of all backgrounds feel safe, respected, and supported, no matter their religious beliefs.

We urge you to firmly vote “no” to any legislation recommending hiring chaplains to replace school counselors in public schools and to prioritize the well-being and rights of all students, including those who hold marginalized identities such as Jewish and LGBTQ+ students. Instead, we encourage legislators to invest in evidence-based, inclusive mental health services provided by qualified professionals who adhere to strict ethical standards and respect students’ diverse beliefs and backgrounds.

Sincerely,

Keshet
SOJOURN

Alma Surrogacy LLC
Avodah
Carolina Jews for Justice
Columbia Jewish Congregation
Congregation Bet Haverim
Congregation Har HaShem, Boulder, CO
Congregation Sha’ar Zahav
Habonim Dror North America
Hillel at Virginia Tech
JCRC of Atlanta
Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action
Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
Jewish Family Services of Greensboro
Jewish Labor Committee
Jewish Women International
Jews for a Secular Democracy
jGirls+ Magazine
JQ International
Kesher Pittsburgh
Makom Shelanu Congregation
National Council of Jewish Women
National Council of Jewish Women Greater New Orleans
Rabbinical Assembly
Reconstructing Judaism
Shearith Israel Atlanta
T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights
Temple Beth Tikvah
The Workers Circle
Union for Reform Judaism
USY
Women of Reform Judaism