The Freedom From Religion Foundation was able to intervene before students at the Medford (Wis.) Area Middle School were sent to ring bells to raise money for the Salvation Army, a Christian organization.
The Salvation Army lists its mission as “to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.” The group also has eleven Christian articles of faith, and is blatantly discriminatory towards gay people.
After a concerned parent contacted FFRF, Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott sent District Administrator Pat Sullivan a letter on Dec. 13, 2012, pointing out that “while it is laudable for a public school to encourage young students to become active and involved in their community,” the Salvation Army is “an overtly Christian organization.” Elliott detailed the pervasively sectarian nature of the Salvation Army, and asked Sullivan to inform school staff “that they may not continue with their plans to solicit funds for the Salvation Army during the school day.”
Sullivan responded on Dec. 17, 2012, stating that the school was no longer planning to send students to ring bells.
