New Policy Proposed to Ban Religious Signs from Broward Schools
The School Board of Broward County is set to vote on a new policy that would ban religious groups from appearing on banners outside schools. The proposal comes after a lawsuit from Timothy “Chaz” Stevens, leader of the “Church of Satanology,” who sued the district for refusing to allow him to purchase a “Satan Loves the First Amendment” banner at local schools.
Background on the Lawsuit
Stevens sued the district in September, complaining that the district refused to allow him to purchase the banner while permitting signs promoting several Christian churches. District administrators then ordered all religious signs to be removed while they reviewed the policy.
New Policy Proposal
The proposed policy would allow most secular businesses and organizations to continue to be featured on banners. These signs are generally used as a way to thank sponsors who donate to school athletics or activities. The policy would specifically ban religious groups, including churches, organizations that promote or support religion, and satanic groups.
Examples of Inappropriate Sponsorship Banners/Signages
The proposed policy states that examples of inappropriate sponsorship banners/signages include and are not limited to:
- Churches
- Organizations that as its primary function furthers, promotes or seeks to establish a religious tenet or position about religion or spirituality, including agnosticism, atheism, or satanism
- Candidates seeking political office
- Organizations whose primary function is political
- Adult entertainment establishments
- Alcoholic or tobacco products
- Tattoo parlors
- Pain clinics
- Organizations soliciting addicts
- Organizations that as its primary function furthers, promotes or supports controversial subjects
Businesses and Groups That Would Be Allowed
Businesses and groups that are named would have to fit a standard template created by the district. The policy is modeled after one in Palm Beach County schools, which was created in 2017 for the same reason: to avoid having to accept advertising from Stevens’ Church of Satanology.
Concerns and Legal Risks
Board member Brenda Fam expressed concern about the proposed change, saying it could prove legally risky. She believes state and federal law protects “freedom of religious expression” in public schools.
“You’re discriminating against the content. There’s no violation here,” she said. “Churches or other religious groups are allowed to rent facilities on the school property, be inside the school properties, conduct business on the school property, but you’re saying they cannot put a sign out front when other vendors are permitted to do so, and I think this is going to create a problem for the district.”
Conclusion
The proposed policy aims to ban religious groups from appearing on banners outside Broward schools. While the policy may be intended to avoid controversy, it raises concerns about the freedom of religious expression in public schools. The School Board is set to vote on the policy on December 17.
FAQs
Q: Why is the School Board proposing this policy?
A: The policy is proposed to avoid controversy and to ensure that all signs on school property are consistent and professional-looking.
Q: What types of groups would be banned from appearing on banners?
A: The policy would ban religious groups, including churches, organizations that promote or support religion, and satanic groups.
Q: Would this policy affect other types of signs on school property?
A: No, the policy would only affect signs that are sponsored by religious groups or organizations that promote or support religion.
Q: What is the legal basis for this policy?
A: The policy is based on the idea that schools should not endorse or promote any particular religion or belief system.
Q: What is the expected outcome of this policy?
A: The expected outcome is that all signs on school property would be consistent and professional-looking, and that religious groups would not be able to use school property to promote their beliefs.
