Students at Ohio elementary school can participate in Satanic Temple’s religious learning program
The Satanic Temple has launched a religious learning program called the Hellion Academy of Independent Learning (HAIL) for students at Edgewood Elementary School in Marysville, Ohio. This program is part of the state’s Release Time Religious Instruction (RTRI) program, which allows students to attend off-campus learning opportunities once a month during school hours.
In addition to the HAIL program, students at Edgewood Elementary School have the option to participate in other religious lessons, including Bible study. It is important to note that HAIL is not affiliated with or approved by the local school district or board members.
The main goal of HAIL is to enhance students’ critical thinking skills, encourage community involvement, promote compassion and empathy, foster self-directed learning, and encourage creative expression. The program aims to provide students with a well-rounded education that goes beyond traditional academic subjects.
June Everett, the campaign director for the After School Satan Club and an ordained minister for the Satanic Temple, explained that the parent of a student at the school requested a Satanic Temple program as an alternative to the existing Christian program offered by LifeWise. The parent felt that students who did not participate in the Christian program were sometimes left out or ostracized.
HAIL is offered monthly, unlike LifeWise’s weekly lessons, due to the Satanic Temple’s limited resources and budget. While this is the first release program in Ohio for the Satanic Temple, its sister program, the After School Satan Club, has been operating in other Ohio cities.
Despite misconceptions, Everett clarified that the Satanic Temple and HAIL are not about worshipping the devil or engaging in harmful activities. Instead, they focus on promoting critical thinking and community involvement.
On the other hand, Joel Penton, the CEO and founder of LifeWise, expressed support for Ohio House Bill 445, which would require school districts to implement a release instruction policy. This bill aims to provide clarity on how religious programs like HAIL can be implemented in schools, ensuring that families have the opportunity to choose religious study for their children.
Overall, the launch of the HAIL program at Edgewood Elementary School showcases the diversity of religious programs available to students in Ohio. By offering a variety of options, schools can cater to the diverse religious backgrounds and preferences of their students, while promoting tolerance and understanding among different belief systems.
