21°
The controversial club will be allowed to meet on school grounds, though district officials will not be required to distribute their permission slips, US District Court Judge John M. Gallagher ruled in a preliminary injunction.
The After School Satan Club, sponsored by the Salem, Massachusetts-based Satanic Temple (TST), garnered controversy in February when its flyers made the rounds on local social media.
The Middle School club was originally green-lit by district administrators, but in a message sent to parents on Feb. 24, Superintendent Jaime Vlasaty reversed course and said the club would not be allowed to use school resources, citing board policy and potential disruptions on campus.
TST, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, filed suit in March alleging First Amendment violations.
On Monday, Judge Gallagher found those allegations "credible."
"Although (The Satanic Temple's) objectors may challenge the sanctity of this controversially named organization, the sanctity of the First Amendment’s protections must prevail," he wrote in the 37-page injunction.
"Though the 'First Amendment is often inconvenient' depending on one’s perspective, or responsibilities, this inconvenience 'does not absolve the government of its obligation to tolerate speech,'" Gallagher said.
SVSD could not be immediately reached for comment on Monday.
“We applaud the court for recognizing the threat to the First Amendment rights of the After School Satan Club and The Satanic Temple and preventing Saucon Valley School District from continuing its brazen discrimination,” said Sara Rose of the Pennsylvania ACLU in a statement.
"When a school district opens up its facilities, it cannot discriminate based on religious beliefs."
In February, a North Carolina man was accused of making violent threats toward Saucon Valley schools for allowing the After School Satan Club to exist.
Ceu "Van" Uk allegedly vowed to "come in there and shoot everybody" in a voicemail, Northampton County District Attorney Terence Houck has said.
The school district cited the threat in its Feb. 24 statement rescinding the club's approval, according to the injunction.
"Our community has experienced chaos. Our students, staff, and teachers have had to endure a threat to their safety and welfare," Superintendent Vlasaty wrote at the time. "The gravity of feelings of instability, anxiety, and fear have been profound."
According to its flyer, the club will offer "science and community service projects, puzzles and games, nature activities, and crafts."
Click here to follow Daily Voice West Chester and receive free news updates.
