What a Youth Minister Did that Labeled Him 'Predatory,' Kicked Out of a Local School
An Illinois middle school is no longer allowing an Baptist youth minister to reach out to students after a secularist group filed a complaint with the Harrisburg School District, arguing that it violated the U.S. Constitution.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) sent a letter to the school district after an unidentified community member shared that a minister was leading a Christian club during a lunch period at Harrisburg Middle School.
In previous years, students were given permission slips to occasionally meet with the youth pastor during lunch breaks. Pizza and soda was also provided for the students.
The Wisconsin-based group wrote in a letter that the idea was "predatory" and that officials should ban the youth minister from the premises.
"It is inappropriate and unconstitutional for the district to offer religious leaders access to befriend and proselytize students during the school day on school property," attorney Ryan Jayne wrote. "This predatory conduct is inappropriate and should raise many red flags."
"The district cannot allow its schools to be used as recruiting grounds for churches during the school day," it stated.
The group said that the minister's presence violated the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
"This practice demonstrates an unlawful preference not only for religion over non-religion, but also Christianity over all other faiths," the letter contended. "Public schools have a constitutional obligation to remain neutral toward religion."
Superintendent Michael Gauch responded to the letter, saying he would submit the claim to the Board of Education.
On Aug. 24 the board decided that the youth minister would not be allowed to meet with students.
"Please be advised that the Board of Education did consider the matter of a local minister meeting with students during lunchtime last semester," Gauch wrote. "Following the school board's directive, school administration instructed the local minister that he would no longer be allowed to come onto school property and meet with students during the lunchtime or anytime during the instructional day."
