Virginia —
The Roanoke County Public School system is no longer allowing the teachers to promote and organize a bible study before school.
A district parent reported that a teacher at Hidden Valley Middle School was organizing a bible study for students, and was promoting the bible study via the school’s news program. During the Sept. 24, 2024, broadcast of the school’s “Eagle News” program posted on YouTube, a teacher advertised “Connected Through Christ,” a bible club she hosted in her room at 7:45 each Wednesday morning. According to the broadcast, students in the club were being given a lesson about the bible and were instructed on how to use faith to solve common middle school problems. The teacher heavily implied an offering of free food to entice students to attend. Another teacher also encouraged students to attend the bible study.
“To avoid coercing students into participating in a religious club, the district may not allow staff to be involved in student religious clubs beyond a supervisory capacity,” FFRF Staff Attorney Maddy Ziegler wrote in November 2024.
After FFRF’s letter, the Haney Phinyowattanachip responded with a letter representing the district. “Roanoke County Public Schools encourages student participation in clubs and other common interest groups,” Matthew Woodward wrote. “However, Roanoke County Public Schools does not permit teachers, administrators, or other staff members to lead or promote clubs which have a religious affiliation.” Woodward confirmed that the teachers have ceased promoting the club, and the school board employees also received renewed guidance regarding the board’s prohibition against school staff promoting religious activity while on school grounds.
