It was reported to FFRF that last August, New Philadelphia City Schools in Ohio organized a prayer event and promoted it on its official Facebook page. FFRF wrote on May 30 to ensure the district does not organize or promote religious events.
FFRF Legal Fellow Chris Line pointed out that the promotion of religious events alienates those whose religious beliefs are inconsistent with the message being endorsed by the school.
An attorney representing New Philadelphia City Schools responded on June 1, informing FFRF that the district had not organized the event — which was organized by local churches — and had not approved the social media post. The district has provided training to its staff regarding proper use of social media, including issues related to the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The post promoting religion has been removed from the district’s Facebook account and, since the incident, the district informed FFRF that it has been monitoring social media activity more closely.
