MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — The Satanic Temple plans to host its “After School Satan Club” at Chimneyrock Elementary School in Cordova.
The club will start the program on January 10 in the school’s library and run through the spring semester, according to an announcement posted on Facebook Tuesday morning.
The Satanic Temple claims to be a non-theistic religion that views Satan as a figure who represents “championing the human mind and spirit.” The group says the club does not attempt to convert children to any religious ideology. The clubs began nationwide in 2020.
They said there will be various activities centered around the Seven Fundamental Tenets, including science and community service projects, puzzles and games, nature activities, and arts and crafts.
The news spread around local social media Tuesday, with some parents expressing concern.
” … can’t talk about god in school or pray but can have a satan in the school the worlds coming to an end y’all better get ready,” wrote Facebook user Barryand Ashley Busby.
Others were more supportive.
“I say this as an open-minded Christian, if they can have Bible Studies at the school, then they should be able to do this as well,” wrote Bee Givens.
Parents of students at Chimneyrock Elementary were alarmed and concerned after the flyer announcing the new after school club began making the rounds.
“If we don’t want God in schools, we definitely don’t need or want Satan in schools,” said Felicia Dennis. “Me and my whole family, we attend church. So this was a big shocker for me for this to be coming to my daughter’s school.”
It’s the organization’s fifth active club in the nation. Campaign Director June Everett said it started after she was contacted by MSCS parents expressing interest.
“Members of the satanic temple are not theistic satanists, so they don’t believe in an actual real satan,” Everett said.
She explained that the club can only operate in schools that have other religious clubs, so like-minded people can come together. She said they don’t actually discuss Satanic teachings, but they do activities that are inspired by Satanic beliefs.
“We can take Satan and view Satan as this creature and this character however we want. We don’t have to believe Satan as this evil deity. We can view Satan as we wish and that’s exactly what we do,” Everett said.
But parents like Dennis said they still aren’t comfortable.
“I feel that if possible, maybe a community center or something like that would be more fit. I don’t feel it should be in the scene where they learn. If they don’t want prayer in the schools, they shouldn’t have this satan club,” she said.
NewsNation affiliate WREG reached out to Memphis-Shelby County Schools for a statement regarding the group’s attendance at Chimneyrock Elementary.
A district spokesperson said MSCS facilities are rented out to several organizations.
For instance, the Good News Club meets at Chimneyrock Elementary weekly, the spokesperson said. That group’s website describes the program as “a clear presentation of the Gospel and an opportunity for children to trust Jesus as savior.”
The following message was sent to parents by MSCS:
“We understand that some of you have questions regarding the recent approval of a facility rental to The Satanic Temple, a federally recognized non-profit organization.
As a public school district, we’re committed to upholding the principles of the First Amendment, which guarantees equal access to all non-profit organizations seeking to use our facilities after school hours. This means we cannot approve or deny an organization’s request based solely on its viewpoints or beliefs.
Board Policy 7002 outlines this commitment, allowing community groups and government entities to rent school property outside of school hours. These gatherings are not school-sponsored and are not endorsed or promoted by Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
The Satanic Temple, recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) public charity, falls under this policy and has the same legal rights to use our facilities after school hours as any other non-profit organization. It will be renting the facility in January, after school. You may read more about the organization in an online news story from the Washington Post.
We understand that this topic may raise questions. Thank you for your understanding and continued partnership.“
Some parents we spoke with discussed the possibility of removing their children from the district because of this.
Meanwhile, as the school mentioned, the club is protected under First Amendment rights, so they must allow it to move forward.