The Satanic Temple, a group based in Massachusetts, is planning an “After School Satan Club” at a Memphis elementary school.

The group said the club will be at Chimneyrock Elementary School.

School officials say it will be the first of its kind in Tennessee.

The Satanic Temple’s flyer explicitly states that the event is not endorsed nor sponsored by Memphis-Shelby County Schools.

The Memphis-Shelby County school system released the following statement regarding the club:

Dear Chimneyrock Family,

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 organization says there is a Christian club at Chimneyrock Elementary School, and legally, they have every right to have a club at the school after hours.

Many parents are concerned about the club coming to the school. They are also opposed to it.

June Everett, the national campaign director for “After School Satan Club” for The Satanic Temple claims Chimneyrock parents reached out to them about bringing the after-hours club to the school.

Everett says a 2001 Supreme Court ruling gives them the right to be at the K through 5 schools.

Everett says The Satanic Temple does not believe in literal or supernatural Satan and is separate from the Church of Satan.

Everett said the regular activities of the club are science and arts and crafts-oriented.

Chimneyrock Elementary School will be The Satanic Temple’s fifth club so far in schools in the United States.

The after-school club at Chimneyrock Elementary will start on January 10, 2024.