State Superintendent tells Satanists they are not welcome in schools, but suggests they go to hell instead.
Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters made a bold statement on Wednesday, targeting The Satanic Temple (TST) after the organization expressed their intent to place ministers in public schools should Senate Bill (SB) 36 be enacted into law. Walters, a Republican, firmly stated, “Let me be crystal clear: Satanists are not welcome in Oklahoma schools, but they are welcome to go to hell.”
State Superintendent Ryan Walters reaffirmed that Satanists are unwelcome in schools. The controversial issue arose as Oklahoma’s House approved SB 36, which would permit volunteer chaplains in schools. If the bill is passed, it would allow volunteer chaplains in public schools, with the caveat that districts must conduct thorough background checks. Individuals with a criminal history, including sex offenders or felons, would be prohibited. Chaplains could also face dismissal for child abuse, negligence, or moral misconduct.
The Satanic Temple (TST) wasted no time in preparing to dispatch its “ministers” to public schools should the bill come into effect. “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,” remarked Rachel Chambliss, TST’s executive director. “We are committed to providing compassionate guidance to students who seek our help, aiming to facilitate positive changes in their lives by listening to their needs and offering support.”
The contentious debate surrounding Senate Bill 36 is ongoing in Oklahoma. Should the bill pass in the Senate, it is slated to take effect on November 1. Recently, The Satanic Temple issued a challenge to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, inviting him to engage in a debate on religious freedom. This challenge stemmed from DeSantis’ exclusion of satanists from participating in a newly established chaplain program, similar to Oklahoma’s, which was recently signed into law.
DeSantis defended his decision by asserting, “Some have said that if you implement a school chaplain program, you’ll have satanists roaming around in all our schools. We’re not playing those games in Florida… That is not a religion. That is not qualified to participate in this. So, we’re going to exercise common sense on this matter. You don’t have to worry about it.”
The Satanic Temple reacted strongly to being barred from the chaplain program in Florida and threatened legal action against the state if any of its members were prohibited from serving as chaplains. The clash between religious freedom and school policies continues to ignite impassioned discussions and debates across the nation.
