An Illinois middle school is under fire after they began to host an after-school program called a “Satan club” throughout the year.
QUICK FACTS:
- Parents at Jane Addams Elementary School in Moline, Illinois, are looking for a change after their children were invited to an “after-school Satan club.”
- The after-school program was hosted by the Satanic Temple and targeted kids from first through fifth grade, according to The Washington Examiner.
- Parents began to voice their objections after a flyer advertising the club was posted online showing five dates through the spring semester when kids could attend.
- The description of the Satan club promises the kids will participate in “science projects, puzzles and games, arts and crafts projects, [and] nature activities.”
WHAT PARENTS & OFFICIALS ARE SAYING:
- One parent posted the flyer to social media asking “How is this even a thing” and adding that, “I just know they’re about to catch hell because I would be going tf off,” the Examiner reported.
- Moline-Coal Valley School District spokesperson said the district has “policies and administrative procedures in place which allow for community use of its publicly funded facilities outside the school day,” according to FOX 2, explaining that opportunities extend to all religious groups to book the facilities.
- “Flyers and promotional materials for these types of groups are approved for lobby posting or display only, and not for mass distribution,” the spokesperson said. “Please note that the district must provide equal access to all groups and that students need parental permission to attend any after-school event. Our focus remains on student safety and student achievement.”
BACKGROUND:
- In 2016 The Washington Post reported about “An After School Satan Club could be coming to your kid’s elementary school” reporting on the Satanic Temple’s plan to “bring their wisdom to the nation’s public elementary school children.”
- “It’s critical that children understand that there are multiple perspectives on all issues, and that they have a choice in how they think,” said Doug Mesner, the Satanic Temple’s co-founder, according to the Post.
