As a result of the hard-right governor Ron DeSantis’ push for more religion in education, dark satanic messengers could soon be roaming public schools in Florida.
A state law that went into effect this week makes it possible for campuses to receive “additional counseling and support for students” from outside organizations. According to members of the Satanic Temple, they are poised to serve as volunteer chaplains.
Bringing Religion Back
Even though HB 931 simply asks institutions to mention the belief system of a volunteer “if any” as well as allows the execution of chaplain initiatives up to local educational institutions, DeSantis has rendered it apparent that his objective is to reinstate the fundamentals of Christianity into the educational system.
During the law signing in April, DeSantis said that he thought it was unfair to imply that God had nothing to do on campuses in the absence of the bill.
Strike over Education
In the face of a national ecclesiastical right-wing theocratic drive into education, the satanists saw the legislation as a fair possibility: Christian chaplains are recognized as such if they are granted permission to interact with pupils, who tend to be going through some of their most critical and consequential life phases.
No educational explorations of the dark arts or demonic rites are intended, nevertheless.
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Satanic Goals
Instead of portraying Satan as a real, infinitely powerful demon, the Satanic Temple portrays Satan as an emblem of revolt and opposed to tyranny. It states that the purpose of this is to draw attention to the flagrant violations of the legally guaranteed separation of state and religion.
Theocrats are advancing their agenda by approving unlawful measures into law because they know there will be no repercussions, according to Lucien Greaves, co-founder of the Satanic Temple, who decried the state of affairs.
Greaves Posture
Greaves noted that theocrats know that whenever such laws become law and citizens get angry, they sometimes don’t comprehend that the legislation will subsequently be overturned by the judiciary.
He went on to say that theocrats provide the idea that these acts are acceptable and lawful by advocating for legislation of this kind. He contended that this strategy makes people less sensitive to the real consequences of such regulations or to the occasions when biased judges uphold them.
Preventive Actions
In the case the school systems or private educational institutions in any of Florida’s 67 districts declare they would sign up for DeSantis’ chaplain program, Greaves said, people from his group stand ready to lend a hand.
Despite the fact that the legislation has just been in effect for an entire week and that universities are on summer vacation, none have thus far.
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Earlier Achievements
Historically, the tactic has proven effective. When Rick Scott, the governor before Ron DeSantis, enacted a bill in 2013 promoting times of prayer and religious liberty in schools, temple members came together to express their backing.
In a Guardian poll conducted at the time, almost 90% of respondents said that Satanists should be allowed to worship in Florida schools on the same terms as followers of other major religions. That being said, it’s possible that school districts abandoned the plan out of a desire to avoid appearing to endorse it.
Divisive Installations
Subsequently, the temple declared the unveiling of a seven-foot-tall bronze statue of the pagan deity Baphomet at the state house of Oklahoma.
This was ordered to be placed next to a recently constructed statue of the Ten Commandments (which was later taken down by the state supreme court). Baphomet is an angelic-winged combination of a goat and a human.
Satan Groups
Asserting that warnings of everlasting doom are an effective tool for converting kids to their convictions, the sanctuaries led After School Satan Clubs in states wherein faith-based groups are permitted to operate on campuses.
The curriculum prioritizes science, critical thinking, as well as the creative arts while having no intent in persuading kids to satanism.
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DeSantis Reaction
Meanwhile, DeSantis has declared he will not allow Satanic Temple adherents access to Florida institutions.
He acknowledged after the signing that there had been worries that the school chaplain program would bring Satanists into the classroom, but he gave his assurance, saying, “We’re not playing those games in Florida.” That is not something to be concerned about.”
Official Acknowledgment
Even though the US government recognizes the Satanic Temple as a church, DeSantis claimed that Satanism is not a recognized faith and thus it is therefore unable to take part, seemingly contradicting a fundamental tenet of the bill.
In an announcement, the Freedom From Religion Foundation said that the proposal was made with the understanding that chaplains would offer spiritual counseling for learners who seek it, without pressuring or proselytizing them into practicing their faith, and that chaplain positions in public schools would be available to all.
Lawsuit
Greaves said that if the government of Florida attempted to prevent the temple from entering schools, it would file suit.
He charged that DeSantis had lied with educational districts, nearly subjecting them to liabilities he was not going to shelter, when he spoke at the platform and claimed they would place chaplains inside schools while refusing to permit satanists.
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