Ohio —
After a sign promoting a religious event was seen at East Knox Local School District in Howard, Ohio, FFRF complained and is pleased to learn that the district is dedicated to keeping their grounds secular.
A local parent reported that on May 20, 2024, a yard sign promoting a religious event was displayed on school district property. According to the sign, the event was an ice cream social and silent auction hosted by the East Knox chapter of LifeWise Academy to be held in early June at Journey Church. Printed on the sign in large letters was the phrase “Ice Cream for JESUS!”
“It is constitutionally problematic for a public school district to advertise a religious organization’s sectarian event on school property,” FFRF Staff Attorney Sammi Lawrence informed the district.
The district contacted legal counsel in order to determine the best course of action.
District attorney Derek L. Haggerty wrote to FFRF, stating that the superintendent had only recently begun working with the district, and as such, was unaware that the violation had taken place. “Additionally, while we could not ascertain exactly when the sign was placed on the district’s property or when it was removed, its placement does not appear to have been approved through any of the district’s formal policies or procedures,” Haggerty wrote. The letter stated that the district maintains a full complement of policies and procedures which prohibit advertising of outside religious events on district property. Haggerty stated that the district intends to continue implementing existing policies and ensuring that all members of the district follow proper procedures before advertising events on district property.
