Satanic Temple targets children with ‘After School Satan Club’ in Tennessee elementary school

The Satanic Temple, which also advocates for ritual abortions, claims to be a "non-theistic religion that views Satan as a literary figure who represents a metaphorical construct of rejecting tyranny and championing the human mind and spirit." It claims it does "not attempt to convert children to any religous ideology" but "supports children to think for themselves." The Temple does this while using satanic imagery such as pentagrams and representations of Satan.

The group also staged an altar to Baphomet in the Iowa state capitol.

The first After School Satan Club in the school's library will be held on January 10, 2024. Parents are invited to sign up their students. The programming is not school-sponsored, but The Satanic Temple has infiltrated public school campuses that allow other religious groups to meet and has claimed it too is entitled to that space.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools issued a statement to WREG, saying "We understand that some of you have questions regarding the recent approval of a facility rental to The Satanic Temple, a federally recognized non-profit organization.

"As a public school district, we’re committed to upholding the principles of the First Amendment, which guarantees equal access to all non-profit organizations seeking to use our facilities after school hours. This means we cannot approve or deny an organization’s request based solely on its viewpoints or beliefs.

"Board Policy 7002 outlines this commitment, allowing community groups and government entities to rent school property outside of school hours. These gatherings are not school-sponsored and are not endorsed or promoted by Memphis-Shelby County Schools.

"The Satanic Temple, recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) public charity, falls under this policy and has the same legal rights to use our facilities after school hours as any other non-profit organization. It will be renting the facility in January, after school. You may read more about the organization in an online news story from the Washington Post.

"We understand that this topic may raise questions. Thank you for your understanding and continued partnership."

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) backs the practice of holding Satanic after-school clubs for kids. "The Satanic Temple (TST), which sponsors the [After School Satans Club], likewise applied to use school facilities after being contacted by a local parent who hoped to bring to the region a non-Christian religious club that would be safe and inclusive for their non-Christian children," the ACLU said.