The first Satan Club in the state of Colorado has opened up at Paonia K-8 elementary school, according to a report from The Daily Caller.
The club was requested by a parent after her child was reportedly told by other students that he would “burn in hell” because his family was agnostic.
The Satanic Temple’s (TST) After School Club program was launched on Feb 21 on the organization’s Twitter account.
The club’s first meeting was held on Monday and was considered a success.
June Everett, TST campaign director for the After School Satan Club program and ordained minister of The Satanic Temple, said that the first meeting had seven children in attendance and that the school principal was welcoming and professional.
The flyer for the meeting on TST’s Twitter account stated that the club did not aim to convert students to “any religious ideology.”
However, TST has previously stated that its clubs are a direct response to religious after-school clubs.
Everett also noted that a parent must request the club before they approach a school.
Some religious groups have denounced the clubs, with some arguing that Satanism is the “antithesis of religion” and calling on parents to “wake up” to what is happening in their children’s schools.
TST has stated that it only wants to be on “equal footing” with religious groups.
Kurt Clay, assistant superintendent of the Delta County School District, clarified that the school only requires after-school groups to meet the requirements to use the school grounds “unless they do not meet the requirements of our policies.”
Clay emphasized that the school remains neutral and treats all equally.
Despite receiving “tons of support,” Everett acknowledged that the reaction to the club has been “mixed as to be expected.”
However, she emphasized that being able to bring religious pluralism and show positive impacts in communities is vital.
“We appreciate the school and the school district for recognizing that all 3rd party organizations who are running religious clubs in their limited public forum should be treated equally, as not everyone shares the same viewpoint,” Everett said.
