In late 2023, The Satanic Temple received a request to establish an After School Satan Club at Chimneyrock Elementary in Cordova, Tennessee, where the Good News Club, a Bible-centered organization aimed at evangelizing children, already operated. This request came from a local community member seeking an alternative to the existing proselytizing clubs on campus. Despite our entitlement to rent school facilities under the same terms as other religious groups, the Shelby County Board of Education has consistently discriminated against us, obstructing the exercise of our civil rights and violating the First Amendment.
This discrimination garnered national attention when school board officials convened a press conference to openly express animosity towards our religious beliefs, our organization, and the upcoming club meeting at Chimneyrock Elementary. This egregious conduct prompted the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), a national state/church watchdog organization, to step in. FFRF sent three letters, all ignored, demanding the district adhere to the First Amendment and treat The Satanic Temple fairly, cautioning that succumbing to a heckler's veto would breach constitutional rights.
Despite these challenges, our first meeting at Chimneyrock Elementary took place on January 10, albeit under financially burdensome conditions imposed by the district, including exorbitant security and additional fees. Our arrival was met by an Unwelcoming Committee, made up of district officials and clergy members, further demonstrating the district's antagonism.
Since then, Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ discriminatory actions have persisted, including imposing excessive security and facility use fees on our club meetings, arbitrarily changing meeting times, canceling rental applications without notice, and refusing to communicate about rental rates. These actions have not only chilled TST’s speech but have also significantly hindered our ability to conduct our club meetings.
On behalf of The Satanic Temple, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is now seeking legal recourse to ensure our fair treatment and our ability to rent facilities without discriminatory fees. We are also seeking a declaratory judgment that the Shelby County Board of Education’s actions violate the First Amendment's free speech and free exercise clauses, nominal damages of $1, and a permanent injunction against the district's discriminatory practices.
We appreciate the Freedom From Religion Foundation's support in this battle against discrimination and remain committed to defending our members' civil rights. We look forward to sharing updates as they develop.
As we embark on this legal battle, it's already evident that we will face significant court fees. We urge our community to bolster the After School Satan Club's fight for justice by contributing to ASSC’s fundraising efforts or proudly wearing your support with exclusive ASSC merch from TST’s Hell-Raiser Shop. Your support is vital in this crucial battle for justice and true religious freedom.
Read the Freedom From Religion Foundation's Press Release HERE.
