Questions surround 'Satan Club' at Maine-Endwell elementary: What to know about organization, reactions
Homer Brink Elementary School parents raised concerns after flyers promoting a "Satan Club" were sent home Thursday, prompting an explanation from the Maine-Endwell Central School District.
MECSD superintendent Jason Van Fossen sent a letter to parents and community members Friday with the district's reasoning for the afterschool club.
"The Maine-Endwell Central School District allows citizens of the school district the use of school facilities whenever such use does not conflict with the needs of the children or with New York State laws," the letter read.
The letter also states the district does not endorse the club and the district approved the afterschool meetings after the external organization followed all of the required rules in requesting the use of Homer Brink.
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What is the After School Satan Club?
According to photos of the flyer shared on Facebook, the "After School Satan Club," or ASSC, is organized by The Satanic Temple, and Reason Alliance and is taught by "volunteer teachers who live in the community, have passed extensive criminal background checks, and are looking forward to engaging your children in a variety of fun activities centered around The Seven Fundamental Tenets."
It states students will have the chance to partake in science and community service projects, nature activities and arts and crafts, and children will learn benevolence and empathy, critical thinking and creative expression.
The flyers also state the club will not attempt to convert participants to any religious ideology but supports children to think for themselves.
According to an article by CBN News, ASSCs schedule meetings at districts that have previously approved Christian-based "Good News Clubs." Homer Brink held a "Good News Club" last year, which delivers "the timeless truths of the Bible in exciting, engaging ways" and "includes strong discipleship training to build character and strengthen moral and spiritual growth."
The ASSC is scheduled for 10 afternoons at Homer Brink Elementary School and a parent-signed permission form is required for student participation.
Why did the school allow the afterschool club?
In the letter sent to the Maine-Endwell community, Van Fossen said flyers were also distributed to students and their families for the "Good News Club" last year.
And U.S. Supreme Court decisions regarding the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment declared access to district facilities by outside groups had to be equal, according to the letter.
The district also recently reviewed board policies regarding the use of school facilities and considered three different options − exclude all non-school organizations from using school facilities, exclude some, but not all, non-school organizations or continue with the current policy − but decided on the latter.
"A decision to exclude all non-school organizations from use of school facilities would negatively impact our students, families and community," the letter stated.
The letter also said the district discussed eliminating distribution of all flyers but recognized the importance of them to inform parents and families of important activities.
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This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Afterschool Satan Club at Maine-Endwell elementary: What to know
