FFRF’s local complainant was driving by Benito Juarez Elementary in Anaheim, Calif., when he spotted this monstrosity parked right in front of the school.
Like Big Tobacco, religions follow the “Get ’em while they’re young” philosophy of marketing. In Anaheim, Calif., a Christian group is parking “chapels on wheels” outside of public schools to offer bible study.
According to the group’s website, it owns six of these eyesores and parks them at various schools in the district.
FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent a letter of complaint Nov. 9 to the district superintendent. Citing three previous court cases, Seidel explained that it is unconstitutional for the trailers to be parked on or near school property.
According to the Supreme Court, the only permissible relationship between a public school and a release-time class is when the schools “do no more than release students whose parents so request.” Keeping forms in the school office (see photo) and parking the trailer in a school pickup/drop off lane violates that stricture.
Seidel also informed the Anaheim Police Department and the city of Anaheim Code Enforcement Division about the trailer chapels, citing several ordinances the trailers are likely violating.
