Chaplaincy Program of Wisconsin Justice Department Challenged

Suit was filed yesterday in a Wisconsin state trial court challenging the constitutionality of a new Chaplaincy Program for employees and their families created by the Wisconsin Department of Justice. The complaint (full text) in Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. v. Schimel, (WI Cir. Ct., filed 11/13/2018),  alleges that six chaplains from across the state have been appointed initially-- all white males from Christian faiths. The program excludes secular mental health professionals. Chaplains operate under the direction of a paid Chaplaincy Program Coordinator. The suit contends that the program violates the U.S. Constitution's Establishment Clause.  FFRF issued a press release announcing the filing of the lawsuit.