Pennsylvania
After months of FFRF’s hard work, the Pennsbury School District in Fallsington, Pa., will no longer be primarily promoting student participation for a Christian organization.
In January, FFRF contacted the district after a community member complained of the school’s advertising of the Salvation Army and “Ringing the Bell” campaign during winter holidays. Students from all grades in the district were reportedly exposed to advertisements, reminders and solicitations to ring bells to fundraise for the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army, however, is not a secular organization. By its own admission, its “mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.” The Salvation Army has also been in controversy over its past anti-LGBTQ-plus stance — which contradicts the district’s diversity policy.
“It is a fundamental principle of Establishment Clause jurisprudence that a public school may not advance, prefer, or promote religion,” FFRF Staff Attorney Madeline Ziegler wrote to the district.
After not receiving a response, FFRF sent two follow-up letters to the district before finally hearing back in September. Erin K. Aronson with Eastburn and Gray law firm, wrote that, “the district has no intention of knowingly violating the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution, or any other applicable authority.” Aronson also promised that the district will treat secular and non-secular organizations equitably.
