Launch of ‘After School Satan Club’ draws protest at Chimneyrock Elementary
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - The launch of the “After School Satan Club” at Chimneyrock Elementary in Cordova drew dozens to protest Wednesday.
After the club’s launch Wednesday, the Satanic Temple told Action News 5, “The kiddos had a great time.”
The “After School Satan Club” has active clubs in California, Ohio, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.
This is the first in Tennessee.
“There is no reason that Memphis should have ever allowed an After School Satan Club to come in,” said protestor Samantha Hardmon. “It’s time to revise policy and it’s time for parents to get on their post to pray and protect their kids.”
It’s the Satanic Temple’s fifth active club in the country.
Charlotte Bergmann, who organized the protest, said she didn’t expect this large of a turnout.
“What I want to school district to do is to obey the law,” said Bergmann. “And allow God to take care of this because this fight is not between the school and the satanic club. This fight is between God and the satanic club, and God’s going to bring it down.”
The Satanic Temple announced in December that the After School Satan Club would come to Chimneyrock.
They told Action News 5 that the Satanic Temple does not believe in literal or supernatural Satan, and legally they have a right to be at the school.
“We don’t go to a school unless there’s another religious club operating,” National Campaign Director of the “After School Satan Club” June Everett told Action News 5 in December.
And there is.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools officials told us, “The Good News Club”, which is a “Bible club,” rents space the school, and members meet before school hours.
Many of the protestors want the “After School Satan Club” removed from school grounds.
After signs were picked up and crosses carried away, one Chimneyrock parent tells Action News 5 her fight is not over.
“They need to go ahead and have this Satanic Temple somewhere else. Not near my children. Not after school. Not before school... Not on our grounds. I’m not going to allow it and I’m going to keep speaking out until something is done.”
The New York Times reported back in December 13 that permission slips had been signed for Chimneyrock’s club.
Everett told Action News 5, Thursday they received over 14 permission slips, and some students came late or left early or called last minute due to illness. She also says many of the students plan to attend future meetings.
Everett also sent this statement to Action News 5.
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