MARYSVILLE, Ohio — The Satanic Temple Group will offer a program for students at Edgewood Elementary School in Marysville.
The program, called Hellion Academy of Independent Learning or "HAIL," will fall under the district's released time for religious instruction policy. That means students can opt out of regular classes to participate.
"At first, I thought it was a joke," said Crystal Dille, a Marysville parent with three children in the district. Dille said she doesn't support religious instruction affiliated with schools.
"Honestly, I would prefer that it be separated. I don’t think that either one has any business being in school. I would like to be the one in charge of knowing exactly what my kids are being taught," she said.
Betty Elswick, a volunteer, organizer, and parent with the temple, said the program isn't about teaching kids about Satanism.
"This program is to make sure kids have a place to go. It’s not teaching Satanism; it’s talking about ethics and being part of a community. We want it to be positive," Elswick said.
Elswick said the program is coming to the district partly because of LifeWise Academy, another religious program being offered.
"We felt as parents, with this policy in place, we also wanted the kids to have representation no matter what group was here," she added.
When asked why she wanted to bring the program to the district, Elswick said, "We wanted to make sure the kids have the ability to participate in a program that was positive for them. We have had a number of students say they had been bullied or teased."
However, parents like Dille said the Satanic symbols give her and possibly children the wrong impression of what is being taught.
"Keep in mind that the people coming in for these groups and organizations, whether it be LifeWise or this Hail Academy, they're not being fully vetted by the school," Dille said.
LifeWise Academy CEO Joel Penton said in part, "We believe all families should have the opportunity to choose religious study during school hours and we trust parents to make the best choice for their children."
The program will be held once a month on Wednesdays.