Oregon —
FFRF is pleased to report that the Hermiston School District in Oregon will no longer allow contracted bus drivers to broadcast religious radio programming to students.
A parent of a Sunset Elementary School student reported that on Oct. 2, 2025, a school bus driver played Christian talk radio over the bus speakers while students were on board. The religious radio station was loud enough for students, including the child of FFRF’s community contact, to hear. The parent stated that their family is not religious, and that the child came home upset by what they heard. The parent further explained that the Christian radio program made their child “uncomfortable” because they do not teach those religious beliefs at home.
FFRF learned that the district contracts a private company, First Student, in order to supply school bus drivers for the district’s students. However, these bus drivers act under the direction and supervision of the district while driving district students, even if the drivers are technically employed by a third party. While First Student is a private employer and the school bus drivers are private employees, they are paid with public money and are transporting students while on contract with the district.
“Playing Christian programming over the bus radio for children to hear is troubling for all students and their families who are not Christian,” FFRF Staff Attorney Sammi Lawrence wrote to the district.
District Superintendent Tricia Mooney followed up with FFRF’s letter, confirming that the district heard FFRF’s call and took appropriate action. “Although we cannot discuss personnel matters, this matter has been reviewed and resolved,” Mooney wrote.
