MARYSVILLE, Ohio — The Satanic Temple Group is planning a program for students at Edgewood Elementary School in Marysville, according to WBNS.
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Students can opt out of regular classes to participate in The Hellion Academy of Independent Learning.
The district has a released time for religious instruction policy, according to CBS affiliate WBNS.
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“At first, I thought it was a joke,” parent Crystal Dille told WBNS.
A volunteer organizer with the temple explained the monthly program to WBNS.
“This program is to make sure kids have a place to go. It’s not teaching Satanism; it’s talking about ethics and being part of a community. We want it to be positive,” said Betty Elswick.
The district offers another religious program, LifeWise Academy, which provides Bible education to public school students, according to their website.
Elswick told WBNS the program is part of the reason they are offering ‘HAIL.’
LifeWise Academy CEO Joel Penton told WBNS in part, “We believe all families should have the opportunity to choose religious study during school hours and we trust parents to make the best choice for their children.”
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