It was reported to FFRF that Westside Elementary School in Jonesboro, Ark., hosted a presentation by a Christian minister this September in the school gymnasium.
During the presentation, the children were given rubber bracelets from the local Philadelphia Baptist Church that read, “PBC Living God, Serving Others, Go Warriors.” At the end of the assembly, the children received free tickets to a pizza party and church services at PBC scheduled that same night.
FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott sent a letter on Oct. 18 to the school district superintendent informing the district that it is inappropriate to take away educational time from students to expose them to a Christian proselytizing group.
On Oct. 27, FFRF received a written promise from Superintendent Scott Gauntt that the violation would not recur and that additional training would be provided to building principals as to the law in public school and religion matters.
