LEBANON — Lebanon City Schools say an after-school club sponsored by The Satanic Temple advertised to take place at one of the district’s schools is not a district or school-sponsored event.
A flyer the After-School Satan Club showed that meetings are scheduled to take place in the cafeteria of Donovan Elementary School.
In a message to families, Superintendent Isaac W. Seevers explained that a local resident and taxpayer within the district “contacted The Satanic Temple and requested that they begin a chapter in Lebanon and to start the after-school club.”
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The required application and facility use agreement were completed and the necessary documentation was provided, leading to the approval.
The district and Board of Education’s policies and procedures allow for community use of its publicly-funded facilities outside of the school day.
“The district does not and is not legally allowed to discriminate against any groups who wish to rent our facilities, including religiously-affiliated groups,” Seevers said.
The letter said that the district had approved similar groups, including an after-school child evangelism program sponsored by The Good News Club.
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The flyer for the club said all children, from grades 1st-5th can attend, regardless of religious background.
District officials said flyers and promotional materials for these types of groups were approved posting and display only and will not be sent home with students.
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