Florida —
“The Seminole County (Fla.) Public School system followed up on FFRF’s concerns after being informed of an unconstitutional banner on school property that advertised a local church.
FFRF learned that around the weekend of March 28, Authentic Church had been leaving a large banner on Winter Springs High School’s property. The banner was left up even outside the hours the church was renting school property for services.
FFRF contacted the district in order to have the banner removed.
“Continuing to permit Authentic Church to leave its banners on District property outside of its designated rental hours signals favoritism toward religion over nonreligion, and Christianity over all other faiths,” FFRF Staff Attorney Sammi Lawrence wrote.
After receiving FFRF’s letter, Seminole County Public Schools Staff Attorney Kalae Menard reached out to confirm that positive action had been taken.
“The principal addressed the church and advised them to remove the signs on 5/19/26. I have requested for the principal to inform me once they are in fact removed from the property,” Menard wrote. Menard also confirmed that the human resources department of the district will be working with the assistant superintendents of elementary, middle schools and high schools to address engagement with religious groups, in addition to including a principal training during the districtwide HR seminar that is set to occur at the beginning of the 2026-27 school year.”
