Texas Chaplains Clash with Rights Groups Over School Counseling Law

Rights groups are opposing a new law in Texas that allows chaplains to work as counselors in public schools, claiming it is unconstitutional and violates religious freedom and the separation of church and state. The law, passed in May, states that school districts can employ chaplains instead of certified school counselors without any required training. Opponents argue that public schools should not endorse religion and that religious instruction is best left to religious institutions and families. Conservative lawmakers in Texas have previously attempted to pass controversial laws related to religion in schools.