Ohio school to offer new religious release program through Satanic Temple

MARYSVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A new religious release program for students is entering public schools in Marysville, Ohio, and this one emphasizes Satanic studies.

The Hellion Academy of Independent Learning (HAIL) program will begin in Marysville's Edgewood Elementary School in December as a part of the district's permitted release time for religious instruction. The program is put on by the Satanic Temple, the only Satanic religious organization recognized as a church by the IRS and Federal Court System. 

June Everett, the campaign director for the After School Satan Club and an ordained minister for the Satanic Temple, said a parent reached out to the Satanic Temple asking for a program at Edgewood. Everett said the Satanic Temple's programs for students are only implemented when parents seek them out, and only in districts where other release programs are already in place.

Marysville has been involved with LifeWise, a Christian-based program offering biblical education during the school day off school property, since September 2023. According to Marysville LifeWise, the program is offered to students during lunch and recess once a week.

Everett said the parent who sought out HAIL was searching for an alternative to LifeWise, as students who do not attend sometimes feel left out or ostracized. LifeWise welcomes any students, but she said some parents don't want to send their children to the program for various reasons. She said that's where HAIL comes in.

"We aren't trying to shut the LifeWise Academy down, but I do think a lot of school districts don't realize when they open the door for one religion, they open it for all of them," Everett said.

Everett said HAIL is a monthly program because the Satanic Temple has fewer resources and a smaller budget than LifeWise, which often partners with local churches. Marysville's program is the Satanic Temple's first release program in Ohio, but its sister program, the After School Satan Club, has operated in Dayton, Wilmington, and Lebanon, she said.

Everett said many people misunderstand HAIL and the Satanic Temple. The church, and its associated school program, are built on the Seven Fundamental Tenets of The Satanic Temple, summarized below:

“We aren’t worshipping the devil and sacrificing babies and using blood. It’s actually the opposite,” Everett said.

Everett said although HAIL is not trying to shut down LifeWise, it is often a response to the program. LifeWise CEO and founder Joel Penton called HAIL a good example of why LifeWise supports Ohio House Bill 445, which would require school districts to implement a release instruction policy. Penton said HB 445 would grant clarity on how to implement those programs.

"LifeWise isn’t fearful of other organizations offering RTRI," Penton said. "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."

Both LifeWise and HAIL have open enrollment for Marysville parents available online.