Ohio school stops performances in church (January 31, 2022)

An Ohio School district has ceased sending its high school students to a church to perform after FFRF got involved.

When a concerned community member reported that the Logan High School Chamber Singers performed during a religious worship service at First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, FFRF Attorney Chris Line sent a letter to Superintendent Monte Bainter insisting that the school no longer hold school-sponsored events in churches and instead select public facilities for all future events.

ā€œThe use of churches for public school programming is inappropriate and unconstitutional. It is a fundamental principle of Establishment Clause jurisprudence that a public school may not advance, or appear to endorse religion,ā€ Line explained. ā€œEven if attendance and participation in this event were voluntary, church performances are still impermissible.ā€

Legal counsel responded by assuring FFRF that the district has no scheduled performances at any church venue and all future venue selections will be approved by the superintendent.

Freedom From Religion Foundation