CHESAPEAKE, Va. — "The After School Satan Club" was the hot topic once again in Chesapeake.
The club, organized by the Satanic Temple & Reason Alliance, has been at the center of heated debate in the Hampton Roads community. Some parents argued that such a club does not need to be in a school with children so young. However, the group said it's voluntary and they're not trying to convert kids.
This comes after some controversy in Dec. 2022, when a B.M. Williams Elementary School parent submitted an application for the After-School Satan Club (ASSC) to hold meetings on campus.
TRENDING: Another endangered whale washes up along Virginia Beach; NOAA investigating
Monday night, the school board heard from parents and residents split on whether the club should meet be able to meet in a school.
Chesapeake school board members including the superintendent listened to those who are for and against the club.
"If this club meets, I plan on removing my daughter from the school and finding a private alternative," said Steve Scheerbaum, a parent who opposed of the After School Satan Club.
"The After School Satan Club has a constitutionally protected right to be here," said a supporter of the club.
At Monday's meeting, school leaders revealed their plan on how buildings can be used for the After school club satan club if approved by the board. Previously, the school board allowed the ASSC to use school grounds for meetings, but they had to have security officers.
According to the proposed revisions, exempt organizations will not be charged rent for facility use. That includes school-sponsored organizations, school-affiliated organizations and government units. Non-exempt organizations would include non-profit religious organizations.
The proposal also requires security costs to be paid by the after-school group to Chesapeake Public Schools in advance of an event. But those costs, according to Superintendent Jared Cotton, will all depend on the space, hours, and the number of staff members needed.
In addition, the proposal states the name of the school or facility can't be used in promotional materials unless the group has approval from the Office of Student Activities and Facility Use. Use of any CPS logos would also be prohibited.
"I sincerely hope that the Satanic Temple takes this city to court for this blatant disregard of the constitution," said a veteran who supports the ASSC.
Cotton also cleared the air about the backlash they have received about the club.
"It's important for us to point that out that the groups in particular that we've been discussing over the last couple of months are outside groups, not school-sponsored," he said. "We do have groups who ask to use our facility from time to time but we have to treat all groups fairly."
Steve Scheerbaum, a parent of a first grader at B.M. Williams Primary School believes the ASSC will have a negative impact on his 6-year-old's mind, leaving him anxious about the board's vote on this club in their next meeting.
"Obviously, we don't want them to meet but we want some closure, and we plan on going in front of the school and praying regardless," said Scheerbaum.
As of now, no new approvals have been given, which includes the After School Satan club.
The school board is scheduled to vote on Feb. 27 on a revised policy for outside organizations who want to use their buildings for after-school meetings.
