Florida —
FFRF ensured that the Orange County Public Schools system put a stop to a religious club being led by an outside representative from the Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU).
A district member reported that the CRU Club at Timber Springs Middle School was being led, organized and run entirely by adults, not students. The complainant stated that CRU is “operating a structured religious recruitment program in our school with the involvement of multiple staff members” and an outside adult CRU representative.
CRU Club flyers were reportedly posted throughout the middle school, and the flyers directed interested students to scan a QR code, which led to a Google form. At the top of the form, the club explained, “At CRU club, everyone is welcome to gather and learn more about Jesus. Whether you consider yourself a Christian or not, you and your friends are invited to come, listen, ask questions, and eat pizza (lunch) or donuts (Friday mornings)! We hope to see you at one of our meetings.”
FFRF contacted the district in hopes of putting a stop to the club.
“As the district is aware, public schools may not permit outside adults or organizations to lead, organize or regularly participate in ‘student’ religious clubs, including CRU Club,” FFRF Staff Attorney Sammi Lawrence wrote.
The school principal confirmed that teachers were informed that this is not allowed and that CRU will have to be disbanded because of it.
