Earlier this month, the Freedom From Religion Foundation sent a letter to an Indiana school district concerning a problem at Kouts Middle/High School. They claimed that two pastors from Heartland Christian Church were allowed to proselytize to students during their lunch period as part of a program called “Elevate” that used to occur after school. FFRF wanted to know why these pastors were given access to students during the school day for the purpose of preaching Christianity.
“In response to your assertion that the school corporation is allowing religious instruction to occur during the school day at Kouts Middle/High School through the Elevate Students program, I analyzed the curriculum used in the program,” Gardin wrote. “There is no religious content in the curriculum. There are no Bible verses, references to any spiritual deity, or any activities that expose students to any religious concepts.”
Yesterday, FFRF attorney Ryan Jayne responded to him, and it’s clear he’s not yet ready to concede. Jayne explained that what Gardin says contradicts their complainants, and FFRF wants more information.
Principal Stoner told one parent, “Elevate is led by the two youth pastors at Heartland Christian Church. They use a Christian curriculum to teach leadership qualities and principals [sic] to the students. This is in no way a requirement”…
Read the full story at the Friendly Atheist Blog
