FFRF cleans up religion from South Carolina school yard (June 25, 2012)

The Freedom From Religion Foundation got two illegal church advertisements removed from Lexington School District One in Lexington, S.C.

Lexington School District One rents district facilities to local churches for worship services on the weekends. Forts Pond Elementary School had a permanently installed sign advertising worship services for United Tabernacle of God, IHPC. This sign was attached to the ground with wooden stakes. Another sign was positioned at Pelion High School and was displayed on weekends. This sign advertised worship services for Redirect Church. FFRF Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert wrote to Superintendent Karen Woodward on June 5, 2012: "It is inappropriate for the district to permit advertisement of religious organizations or churches, especially a permanent advertisement, on school property."

Markert noted that even if it is permissible to rent district facilities to churches, a public school should not allow any activity giving the appearance of promoting or supporting religion.

The school district sent a positive reply on June 25: "We were unaware of the sign at Forts Pond Elementary School. Thank you for pointing it out. It has been removed. We have also clarified with Pelion High School that the sign for Redirect Church is to be posted only on Sundays, the morning of the service."