The Satanic Temple (TST) has accused Chesapeake, Virginia city officials of canceling an After School Satan Summer Club meeting at a local public library.
The club meeting had been scheduled for 3:30 pm, Aug. 10 at the Indian River Library. The TST promoted the meeting on various social media platforms on Aug. 6, announcing children would work on science projects, community service projects, puzzles and games, nature activities, and arts & crafts.
Three days later, the TST posted an update, writing the Aug. 10 club meeting at the library had been canceled by the city.
“It is with great disappointment that we have to notify the parents/guardians that were planning on their children attending the After School Satan Club (ASSC) meeting at the Indian River Library tomorrow that the meeting has been canceled by the City of Chesapeake,” the TST wrote.
“We believe this cancellation is unconstitutional and a violation of the rights of our families who planned to attend the meeting and are consulting our attorneys,” the organization continued.
In an email to CBN News, June Everett, campaign director for ASSC, who’s also an ordained minister of The Satanic Temple, explained while the organization did not have an official statement since it is still consulting with its attorneys over the matter, she did share the ASSC still met at a local Chesapeake park on Aug. 10.
“Volunteers and families had a wonderful time painting kindness rocks, enjoying the playground, and enjoying snacks,” Everett added and included photos of the event.
CBN News also reached out to the City of Chesapeake for comment. We received the following statement that was sent to all media outlets.
“The City has adopted uniform policies and user agreements which set forth the requirements, parameters, and expectations necessary to assure that events do not pose a threat to public health, safety or welfare or otherwise disrupt City operations. Individuals or organizations failing to comply with these policies and/or agreements are subject to having their facility usage canceled by the City.”
Officials didn’t say how the club violated those policies but said they sent specific details to the organization, according to WTKR-TV
ASSC Is Still Targeting Public Schools With Good News Clubs.
After School Satan Clubs have gained national attention, targeting public schools that have already approved Good News Clubs to host meetings during after-school hours. Parents have protested against these clubs, requesting their districts not to approve their applications.
School administrators face a difficult decision: accept all clubs or shut down after-school clubs. The Chesapeake School Board allowed the Satan Club to hold its ASSC meeting, but parents expressed concerns about security concerns.
The Child Evangelism Fellowship, a Missouri-based organization, has thousands of after-school clubs in the US and around the world.
The Chesapeake School Board is considering banning external groups from using school facilities for after-school activities at its next meeting.