School boards should refuse ‘Satan Clubs’ in elementary schools.
A Disturbing Club Emerges in a Small Connecticut Town
A friend of mine and her family reside near Lebanon, Connecticut, a charming rural town tucked away in the southeastern corner of the state. Recently, she reached out to me, deeply concerned about a new club for young learners at her local elementary school. Brace yourself for this one – the club is called the “After School Satan Club.” Yes, you read that correctly. Satanists have managed to establish a club right within an elementary school. To add to the absurdity, they even promote it with a flyer adorned with cute colored pencils. Although the club is not officially endorsed by the school district, its first meeting is scheduled for December 1, 2023.
The flyer includes a Disclaimer in the middle, stating that the Satanic Temple, the organization behind the club, is a non-theistic religion that views Satan as a symbolic figure representing the rejection of tyranny and the championing of the human mind and spirit. They claim that the After School Satan Club does not aim to convert children to any religion but rather encourages independent thinking.
“The Satanic Temple is a non-theistic religion that views Satan as a literary figure who represents a metaphorical construct of rejecting tyranny and championing the human mind and spirit. After School Satan Club does not attempt to convert children to any religion. Instead, The Satanic Temple supports children to think for themselves.”
Upon further investigation, it becomes apparent that the Satanic Temple, despite its ominous name, is primarily focused on promoting a leftist agenda. They have even petitioned the state of Texas to allow their members to undergo voluntary abortions as part of a religious ritual, a move that aligns with their opposition to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. In a rather disturbing twist, they have set up a fundraiser for the “Samuel Alito’s Mom’s Abortion Clinic,” targeting Justice Samuel Alito, who authored the Court’s majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
But their agenda doesn’t stop at advocating for abortion rights. The Satanic Temple also takes aim at schools that permit Bible study groups to meet after school. Wherever there is a Bible study club, they want a Satan club. Their reasoning? They claim that they do not believe in introducing religion into public schools and will only establish a club if other religious groups are already operating on campus.
So far, they have successfully set up after school clubs in rural elementary schools in Virginia and Pennsylvania. In fact, a Democrat candidate for office in Virginia even promoted one of these clubs. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s elementary school recently authorized the “Good News Club,” a Christian program for children aged 5 to 12 that focuses on Bible lessons, songs, memory verses, and games.
In 2001, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Good News Club, stating that the club should have the same access as other groups to provide after-school programs promoting moral and character development. Justice Clarence Thomas emphasized that denying the club access based on its religious nature would violate the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment.
Last weekend, the superintendent of Lebanon public schools sent a letter to parents explaining that, legally, the district must allow access to various groups without regard to their religious, political, or philosophical perspectives as long as they comply with the viewpoint-neutral criteria set forth in board policies. However, one must question whether this is truly necessary.
The Lebanon School Board’s policy, in line with Connecticut law, permits the use of school facilities for nonprofit educational or community purposes. The Satanic Temple’s after school club is far from educational and is specifically designed to mock the principles of the First Amendment by targeting schools with existing religious clubs. Denying them access to school facilities would be a strong response, but it is unlikely that the school board will take such action, considering the legal consequences faced by a Pennsylvania school board that denied the club access.
Out of the 336 students attending Lebanon Elementary School, only nine children have been given permission by their parents to join the inaugural meeting of the After School Satan Club on December 1. While this is a small proportion, it is crucial to understand the gravity of the situation.
These nine children face the potential indoctrination by fanatics who support abortion and gender ideology. Despite their invocation of evil symbolism, they enjoy the support of powerful lobbyists who are friendly with the current administration, led by someone who claims to be a devout Catholic. The Satanic Temple may not worship the Devil, but their beliefs align closely with progressive Christians on key issues, making them truly diabolical.
Andrea Picciotti-Bayer is the director of the Conscience Project.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.
What are the potential implications of the After School Satan Club’s association with the controversial Satanic Temple?
And would be discriminatory.
The emergence of the After School Satan Club in Lebanon is undoubtedly a concerning development. While the club claims to promote independent thinking and reject tyranny, its underlying agenda seems to be the propagation of a leftist ideology. The club’s association with the Satanic Temple, an organization known for its controversial efforts such as advocating for abortion rights, raises questions about the real intentions behind its establishment.
The decision to establish this club in an elementary school, albeit not officially endorsed by the school district, is a matter of great concern. Elementary schools are places of education and nurturing young minds, and introducing a club with the word “Satan” in its title is undoubtedly alarming for parents and community members.
Moreover, the Satanic Temple’s strategy of setting up clubs in schools that already have Bible study groups is troubling. While they claim to oppose the introduction of religion in public schools, their insistence on establishing a club wherever Bible study groups exist seems more like a provocative attempt to challenge religious expression.
Lebanon’s elementary school, on the other hand, has authorized the “Good News Club,” which is a Christian program focusing on biblical teachings and character development. The Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of the Good News Club in 2001 reaffirmed the importance of allowing religious clubs equal access to school facilities, emphasizing the protection of free speech and preventing discrimination based on religious beliefs.
The presence of the After School Satan Club raises concerns not only about the potential indoctrination of young minds but also about the disruption of the harmonious environment within the community. It is imperative for parents, educators, and community members to closely monitor the activities and intentions of this club to ensure the well-being and safety of the children in Lebanon.
In conclusion, the emergence of the After School Satan Club in Lebanon, Connecticut, is a disturbing development that raises questions about its true intentions and the potential impact on young learners. While promoting independent thinking is essential, it is crucial to scrutinize any organization or club that aligns itself with controversial ideologies. Safeguarding the educational environment and preserving the well-being of children should always be a top priority for communities.
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