MEMPHIS, Tenn — Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) addressed the controversial After School Satan Club that is coming to Chimneyrock Elementary School in January 2024.
MSCS Interim Superintendent Toni Williams was passionate in her stance against the After School Satan Club renting space at Chimneyrock.
"I do not support the beliefs of this organization at the center of these recent headlines. I do, however, support the law. As the Superintendent, I am duty-bound to uphold our board policy, state laws and the constitution," said Williams.
Two MSCS Board Members, including District 5’s Mauricio Calvo, are also against the program.
"These are very young children. And they are being used for a political agenda or some kind of agenda that has no place in our schools,” said Calvo.
Parents across the city were outraged when they saw they heard about the club and questioned why the district and school allowed them to rent the space.
MSCS General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer, Odell Horton Jr., said the Satanic Temple is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and it followed the correct protocol through the district’s Facilitron system.
"The district does not discriminate against any legitimate non-profit group based on religion or beliefs. This entity also falls within our policy that it's able to rent space,” said Horton.
June Everett with the After School Satan Club said their goal is not to convert children to Satanism. Instead, she said they teach the student science, critical thinking, creative arts and good works for the community.
“We do a lot of community projects. We do a lot of STEAM-type activities. Science based activities. And at the end of the day, we have decided not to teach about Satan,” said Everett.
MSCS said children will have to turn in a signed permission slip to join the After School Satan Club. The district also adds that flyers will not be handed out or posted on campus or on the school’s social media pages.