Rep. Chase Tramont wants to boost religious protections in Florida’s Constitution.
The Port Orange Republican has proposed a constitutional amendment (HJR 583) focused on expressions of faith within public schools. The measure would protect students including beliefs in coursework and art produced in school and as part of assignments.
“As a pastor and former educator, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for students to feel free to boldly live out their faith on their campus,” Tramont said. “The Constitution does not relax when a student walks onto a school campus. This amendment ensures that Florida’s students and teachers will never have to check their faith upon entering the schoolhouse door.”
The resolution was filed amid uproar about an Oklahoma public university failing a student for a paper that argued against the existence of more than two genders, based on biblical scripture, as covered by Fox News.
“Unfortunately, we continue to see relentless attacks on faith in this country,” Tramont said.
“Here in the Free State of Florida, we will pursue the greatest lengths to protect the inalienable rights of students and teachers to express their faith confidently and openly without fear of reprisal. The right religious expression should never be weakened or erased by loose interpretations or shifting political climates. Florida will make certain of that.”
While sure to raise issues about separation of church and state, the conservative lawmaker stressed that his measure focused on “voluntary” expressions, such as praying in school and speaking openly about faith in class.
The resolution, if approved in the Legislature and then by voters in a statewide election, would also ensure students could form religious clubs on campus. Should it pass this Session, the item would be slated to appear on the General Election ballot in 2026.
Tramont said the measure would not endorse or favor any particular religion.
The language would prohibit discrimination based on religious viewpoints regarding students, parents, or school faculty and staff. It also says any religious expressions would be treated under the law the same as secular ones. That includes in the grading and evaluation of coursework, art and assignments, saying those items must only be evaluated on academic standards.
The resolution would also forbid school districts from limiting prayer and other religious activities before, during and after the school day. School personnel could also participate in those activities if they are voluntary and student-initiated.
Meanwhile, the measure would require at least two minutes be set aside at the beginning of the school day for a moment of silence. It would also mandate that schools in sports championships allow prayers to be broadcast over the public address system if requested, and allow for that prayer to be led by students or by school personnel.
