WASHINGTON — Most after-school programs involve exercise, hobbies or arts and crafts, but a local elementary school is considering the Satanic Temple’s request to open an After School Satan club.
The Satanic Temple contacted about a dozen elementary schools across the country, including Bradbury Heights Elementary, in Capitol Heights, with a request to present its curriculum for an after-school gathering.
The group is open in its opposition to evangelical Christian clubs in schools, in particular the Good News Club, which operates in several local school districts.
School officials in Prince George’s County acknowledge receiving the request, and are reviewing it.
It is not clear why the Satanic Temple chose Bradbury Heights as a school in which to establish a club.
The Good News Club, sponsored by the Child Evangelism Fellowship, became popular after a 2001 Supreme Court decision that religious groups have equal access to school facilities.
On its website, the Satanic Temple says it doesn’t worship the devil, but rejects the belief in any supernatural entities.
The After School Satan curriculum includes “science, creative learning activities, songs, art projects, educational stories,” and will teach “basic critical reasoning, problem solving, character qualities, and creative expression.”
A spokesman with the Fairfax County public schools says the system currently has Good News Clubs in 23 schools. While the Satanic Temple made a request, school spokesman John Torre told The Washington Post the school system does not bar groups from using schools based on their views.
Watch the promotional video from the Satanic Temple, about its plans to bring After School Satan clubs to public schools:
