Should the federal government stop funding religious chaplains in public schools?

The National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) provides federal funds for schools to employ chaplains who support student wellbeing through pastoral care. While participation is voluntary for schools, the program has sparked long-standing debate regarding the separation of church and state in public education. Proponents argue that chaplains offer an approachable, informal layer of support that complements professional mental health services and helps guide youth morality. Opponents argue that public funds should be exclusively dedicated to qualified secular professionals, such as psychologists or social workers, to ensure inclusivity and professional standards in student care.