There’s a new after-school program at Truman Benedict Elementary in San Clemente — and it’s caused quite a ruckus among parents, particularly on social media.
The “After-School Satan Club,” run by the Satanic Temple, has its first meeting at Truman Benedict scheduled for Feb. 12.
Despite what the name suggests, the club’s goal is to provide students with a “fun, intellectually stimulating and non-proselytizing alternative to current religious after-school clubs being offered in our public schools,” according to its brochure.
The meetings are designed to promote “intellectual and emotional development in accordance with the Satanic Temple,” the brochure says, and no religious instruction will take place.
The Satanic Temple is a non-theistic organization founded in 2013 that embraces Satan as a symbol rather than as a deity. Its use of satanic imagery doesn’t involve the worship of a literal Satan or hell; instead, it serves as a tool to express its philosophical and political beliefs, according to its website.
The club, which has popped up at other schools in California in past years, has caused a stir among concerned parents and local religious institutions. Several parents expressed those concerns during a recent school board meeting.
But Capistrano Unified School District can’t deny the club from meeting at the school, a district spokesperson said.
Under the requirements of the California Civic Center Act, the district permits the use of school grounds and facilities outside school hours by nonprofit organizations, including all religious organizations.
Truman Benedict already allows a Christian-affiliated club run by Shoreline Church, called the “Good News,” to host gatherings on campus.
“The use of our facilities is in alignment with state law, and there are very few exceptions to prohibiting a nonprofit organization from using our facilities outside of school hours,” said Ryan Burris, a Capistrano Unified…
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