FFRF-ETC in Action
January 2024
Blount County pastors John Lowe and Chris Pass running for school board. Their financial backing comes from the Awake 21 movement, an evangelical organization which is working to elect right-wing Christians to local offices. Both are using their churches, Tuckaleechee Baptist Church and Grandview Baptist Church in Maryville, as the address for their campaigns, and have posted almost identical campaign videos on their churches’ Facebook pages. These violations of the rules for tax-exempt religious organizations have been reported by FFRF-ETC to FFRF-national, which is preparing a complaint.
The Anderson County Sheriff has been baptizing prisoners, the ultimate "captive audience" to religious proselytizing, as reported on local media . The Sheriff's office brags about this on social media. Following reports from FFRF-ETC, FFRF-national has sent a stern admonitory letter to the Sheriff.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Department has been posting religious content and Bible verses on their Facebook page, and even secular messages are tagged with a Bible verse. FFRF-ETC has reported these violations to FFRF-national for possible legal action.
September 2023
The Knox County School Board has approved a policy giving high-school credit for religious education provided off-campus by churches during school hours. Knox County will evaluate neither the qualifications of the teachers nor the content of the classes before offering credit. FFRF-national has sent a letter to the Knox County Schools demanding that the program of releasing students for off-campus religious education be terminated, or at least stripped of high-school credit. FFRF has filed an Open Records request for all communications a documents associated with the program.
Private schools in Tennessee must be registered in one of six categories. Category IV (church-related schools) poses two problems. First, these schools are exempt from many requirements. Core subjects such as math, English, and science are not required, nor are adequate textbooks, nationally standardized achievement tests, or licenced teachers. Second, home-schooling parents who do not meet the requirements for establishing an "independent home school" must register with a church-related "umbrella school". These church-related schools often require an affirmation of faith from the parents, leaving limited options for nonreligious parents. FFRF-ETC has reported the matter to FFRF-national for possible legal action, and is working with a local private school to establish a Category IV "Humanist" school which will welcome nonreligious home-schoolers for Tennessee registration.
May 2023
Chattanooga School of Liberal Arts: An outraged parent of a child attending the school posted on the FFRF-ETC Facebook page, showing a sign on school property advertising the vacation bible school at a local Baptist church. It might be legal for the (nongovernmental) PTA to sell such advertising to a church, but the president of the local PTA told our complainant that the PTA was not involved. FFRF-ETC has asked the principal to cease and desist, but has received no response; we will send another message this week. If we still don’t get a response, we will contact the Hamilton County school board. The complainant might put up a Satanic Temple sign.
Nursing School: Graduating nurses must recite a pledge promising good professional conduct. One graduating student turned to FFRF-ETC for advice upon learning that the pledge would be “before God”. FFRF-national attorneys replied that the school cannot require the “God” part, but the graduating nurse must request God’s removal. The student ultimately decided not to attend graduation.
Jackson TN: The city hosted a children’s pottery event to make an Easter Plate, using offensive religious iconography in their advertisements. FFRF-ETC has forwarded the complaint to FFRF-national
March 2023
Hamilton County School District: The schools are reviewing their “Bible in the Schools” program. This is a privately-funded program which supports Bible-literacy programs in the public schools. Whether there is proselytizing in the bible classes will depend on the teacher. FFRF-ETC received a report that one teacher was teaching the Bible as literature and history, without promoting religion. Another teacher was notoriously targeting Jewish kids; an outraged parent courageously reported this to the press. At one school, students brought home a permission slip for the bible class, stating that enrollment is automatic unless parents opt out. We have a copy of the permission slip with opt-out notice. A committee will review the program in late March or early April, along with other course curricula. There will be a public report. The committee chair will sit in on two classes.
Contact information for the chair of the committee evaluating the Bible class: Ben Connor, Hamilton County School Board, e-mail Connor_Ben@HCDE.org.
Tennessee School For Applied Technology (Jacksboro, Tennessee): A student was dismayed to learn that their graduation ceremony this April will be held in a church. Since there are just eight members of the graduating class in the nursing program, alternative venues would not be hard to locate. The student complained to their advisor, then turned to FFRF-ETC, who referred the matter to FFRF-national. Fortunately, the student was able to resolve the issue while FFRF-national was preparing an admonitory letter: the ceremony was moved to an appropriate location.
January 2023
Cedar Bluff Middle School (Knox County): Outraged parents report that the school has been promoting Fellowship of Christian Athletes. FFRF-ETC has send the school an open records request to determine whether this religious program is receiving preferential treatment versus other after-school programs.
North Cumberland Elementary School (Cumberland County): A livid parent complained about a long sermon given by a preacher at the veteran’s day celebration. This was referred to FFRF-national for possible legal action.
November 2022
Mt. Olive Elementary School (Knox County): The grandparent of a student at complained about the Good News Club. There may be grounds for a complaint because the club was being promoted by the school. FFRF-ETC is waiting to hear back from FFRF-national attorneys. Christian nationalists are very well organized to take advantage of what the law allows.
Sheffield (Alabama) Police Department: a concerned citizen reports that the jail has been baptizing prisoners. Is this coercion? FFRF-ETC is waiting to hear from FFRF-national.
Greenbrier School (Gatlinburg): A parent at has complained about a “Bring your Bible to School” event. FFRF-national says that this may be actionable, depending on the details of how it was promoted.
August 2022
Roane State Community College: Invocations are still being given at graduation, even after students have objected. FFRF-ETC sent a letter to the Dean of Students Lisa Steffensen (who bills herself as inclusive and nondiscriminatory) but has received no response.
Carroll County posted a religious message for July 4. FFRF-national sent a letter of admonition.
The Town of Collierville had declared a Day of Prayer. FFRF-national submitted on open records request regarding the town’s Day of Prayer plans. Collierville gave quite a runaround. First, FFRF-national was told that a Tennessee resident must file the request. When a member of FFRF-ETC filed the request, they were told that she must fill out a web form. When they reported that the web form didn’t work, Collierville finally agreed to run the request, only to come back with a demand for a driver’s license. Collierville’s records ultimately showed that they had stopped promoting the Day of Prayer.
Faith Promise Church is a nationwide franchise, one of the fastest growing churches in America. They have a large central facility in Knoxville, supported by myriad satellites and storefronts. Church volunteers put up yard signs around Knoxville schools, on or adjacent to school property, without asking permission. Many schools simply take down these illegal signs, which promote a website that presents as a resource for parents but heavily promotes religion. Faith Promise has recently generated negative public relations in Knoxville by distributing homework folders at Mount Olive Elementary School, again promoting their website. The Mount Olive Principal didn’t know that this was going on. Irate parents lambasted Faith Promise on Reddit, while State Representative Gloria Johnson defended church/state separation on Facebook, criticizing Faith Promise for not following school protocol and for promoting religion on school property. Faith Promise is bold and sneaky: the church put an advertisement in the signs that parents must display to pick up their kids at school. The FFRF-ETC Facebook page received a complaint from an outraged parent.
The Knoxville News Sentinel published a letter from FFRF-ETC President Aleta Ledendecker:
Letter to the Editor -- A Step Backwards for our Secular Nation
This Independence Day marks a sad step backwards for our secular nation. A recent slate of rulings from our conservative-leaning Supreme Court have eroded the wall of separation between state and church, which our founders constructed nearly 250 years ago.
In the past month, the high court has ruled in support of tax dollars for religious schools, prayers during football games, and against a woman’s right to choose whether to continue her pregnancy, a choice I had to face early in my marriage.
This religious-leaning court and its rulings do not reflect the direction of our nation where nearly one-in-three Americans now identify as having “no religion” according to Pew Research. In Knox County, nearly one-of-five residents identify as religiously unaffiliated, according to PRRI Research. These numbers continue to grow.
I’m proud to count myself as one of the more than 75 million secular Americans who are not religious. And I’m proud to be a member of the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), which has been fighting to protect our “sacred” separation of state and church.
Our founders worked hard to establish a secular government. This Independence Day weekend, let’s reaffirm our commitment to keep religion out of government. Because there is no freedom of religion without a government that is free from religion.
June 2022
Mt. Juliet: the city has been promoting Christian holidays on its official Facebook page, wishing its citizens a “Happy Good Friday from the City of Mt. Juliet” and a happy Easter. Three Latin crosses were included to emphasize the sectarian message. No greetings were extended for holidays of other religions. The city also used its official Facebook page to promote the National Day of Prayer. Following a complaint from a concerned citizen, FFRF-national sent a stern letter of warning to the Mayor.
Senator Marsha Blackburn, in her taxpayer-funded Blackburn Report, has been sending heavily religious Easter postings. FFRF-National has sent a warning letter to Senator Blackburn.
Carroll County has turned Memorial Day into a religious holiday, posting an offensive pro-Christian message on Facebook. FFRF-national has flagged this violation for a warning letter (not yet sent).
The Rhea County Clerk was found to be distributing a stack of In God We Trust plates without offering motorists the option to receive a clean plate – these were hidden across the room. A complaint has been filed with FFRF-national.
March 2022
Elizabethton: Some 70 years ago, miscreant boys, egged on by their sunday school teacher, erected three crosses on city-owned land, felling trees and clearing land without permission. Over the years, the city of Elizabethton has illegally maintained these religious icons. Outraged citizens of Elizabethton finally complained to the national office of FFRF in 2018 (our local chapter cheers them on, but was not otherwise involved in the complaint). After Elizabethton gave no response to FFRF's demand that the illegal crosses be removed from city land, FFRF sent a follow-up letter this March. While Elizabethton has yet to cease their constitutional violation, this last letter was not ignored! As reported by the Elizabethton Star, over 1300 correspondents responded to the newspaper's coverage of the crosses. Discouragingly, most expressed support for keeping the crosses. FFRF-ETC is waiting to see how city government responds.
February 2022
Knoxville Police Department: A KPD officer complains that Christian church services are being conducted at the KPD. The services are organized by police chaplains. FFRF national will not pursue this because the services are not an officially organized by the KPD. FFRF-ETC has no usable evidence: the services are publicized exclusively by word of mouth, with nothing posted in writing or on social media, and the complaining officer will not come forward for fear of losing their job.
Governor Lee: Tennessee’s Governor continues his support of faith-based organizations. For the holidays he posted a list of 12 non-profit organizations that he encouraged people to support. 10 of 12 were religious in some way – either overtly, or with religious underpinnings. FFRF-national sent a letter of admonishment to Governor Lee.
FFRF is also objecting to Governor Lee’s decision to partner with Hillsdale College, a private Christian college in Michigan. Hillsdale has applied to open three charter schools in Tennessee in 2023 and has committed to a total of 50. Hillsdale promotes a curriculum which emphasizes the positive aspects of American history, rejecting the ideas of social justice and postmodernism. Governor Lee has proposed earmarking $32 million for new charter schools, and supports voucher programs intended to use taxpayer money to support religious schools.
Senator Hagerty's Thanksgiving message featured a Bible quote. His Facebook page was similar, but without the offensive quote. Both were official Senate correspondence. FFRF national has sent him a letter.
Broken Arrow High School (Tulsa, Oklahoma): A parent reported a student-organized baptism at this public school after football practice. This is outside our turf, so FFRF-ETC reported the violation to FFRF-National, along with some lurid pictures. In response to a warning letter from FFRF-national, the school denied that they knew anything about it.
Now Broken Arrow is back on our radar. An outraged parent sent a video to FFRF-ETC in which students and coaches all form a prayer circle before a wrestling match. It is unclear from the video who organized the offensive circle. FFRF-ETC has forwarded the video to FFRF national.
Hamilton County Schools: “Bibles in Schools” pays Hamilton County $1.8 million annually to teach Bible History elective classes in 29 public schools. FFRF-ETN has been watching this program. A few years ago, an atheist family reported that their child’s class followed the “Bibles in Schools” description: “non-sectarian . . .taught from a view-point neutral perspective . . . adhering to a court-approved curriculum”. Conditions in Chattanooga have deteriorated. A Jewish family reports that the teacher in their child’s 8th-grade bible class at East Hamilton Middle School was proselytizing and talking about “how to torture a Jew” by making them speak God’s name. After the teacher of the class refused to meet with the parents to discuss their concerns, the parents filed a complaint. At the family’s request, the FFRF national office is coordinating with the ADL and ACLU to put this to a stop. See news coverage here.
Maryville City Schools: YOKE is a Christian ministry which organizes clubs at middle schools to help students “discover their identity and purpose in God”. Yoke has 30 programs in East Tennessee schools. At Coulter Grove Intermediate School, a required assembly was called during a recess period to promote YOKE‘s new club. Parents were not notified of the assembly, giving them no opportunity to opt out. Interestingly, one vocal opponent of this religious promotion is religious. While after-school clubs are legal, recruiting by school officials during school hours is not. On the YOKE web page, the South Doyle Middle School principal endorses the YOKE club.
December 2021
Karns Middle School (Knox County): A parent reports that Mr. Brown, a social studies teacher, has been teaching Christian
doctrine in his classes. The teacher tells his students that he knows that he isn’t supposed to be doing this. FFRF-ETC reported the violation to School Superintendent Bob Thomas and the Karns Principal Brent Glenn. As usual for the Knox County Schools, we have received no response. We will report the matter to FFRF-national for possible legal action.
Sterchi Elementary School (Knox County): Fliers promoting the Emerald Youth Foundation, an evangelical Christian organization, were distributed in class. While Knox County policy (sadly) permits promotion of religious organizations, material must include a disclaimer that the organization is not sponsored by Knox County. The fliers omitted the mandated
disclaimer. Knox County has not responded to complaints from FFRF-ETC.
September 2021
Blount County Protects 5th-grade public school students from religious indoctrination!
Blount County Schools: Several parents have complained to FFRF-ETC regarding distribution of Bibles to 5th-graders. Bibles provided by the Gideons are actually being handed out by public school teachers! Following complaints from FFRF-ETC and FFRF national and efforts by FFRF-ETC (in coordination with the Rationalists of East Tennessee) to organize a counter-distribution of Dan Barker’s book Just Pretend (an age-appropriate book which teaches children to apply reason to religion and other myths), Blount County has changed their policy. At the Principal's discretion, Bibles can be distributed to middle and high-school students (not elementary-school) and only passive distribution (such as leaving books out on a table) outside of classrooms can be permitted, not distribution by teachers in class.
It’s gratifying to see that complaints by FFRF-ETC have served to protect the most vulnerable students from promotion of Christianity in the public schools. Yet it’s still problematic that religious material might be distributed there. FFRF-ETC and the Rationalists of East Tennessee organized a revised counter-distribution in light of the new Blount County policy. FFRF-ETC submitted The Young Atheist's Survival Guide by Hemant Mehta to the Blount County School District for approval for distribution in one of their middle schools. Blount county referred FFRF-ETC to their high schools, saying that if principals decide to distribute Bibles, they will distribute The Young Atheist's Survival Guide as well. FFRF-ETC asked the principals whether they will allow these book distributions. Not receiving any response, FFRF-ETC filed an open records request, learning that the Gideons applied for permission to distribute Bibles, but were told that the principals of the middle and high schools had agreed that there would be no Bible distributions!
Knox County Schools rents space to church groups off-hours. This is legal, so long as the space is open to all on the same terms. Church groups are even allowed to post signs on school property to direct attendees. It is required only that the signs be removed once the meeting is over. FFRF-ETC has observed such signs being left in place, and has reminded KCS Superintendent Thomas of proper church-state etiquette.
In Washington County, a concerned citizen reported a sign reading “Independence Day; prayer.org” on County property in front of the Washington County Court House. the violation was forwarded to FFRF-national, which sent a warning letter to County Mayer Joe Grandy.
In Hamilton County, the evangelical organization CRU is proselytizing at Hixson High School. CRU staged an event at Hixon to “bring students to Jesus”. Hixson failed to charge rent; they explain this as an oversight which will not be repeated. CRU sponsors an official school club, and rent is not charged when these students meet. This was an adult meeting,
not a school club.
The Roane County Schools program for the graduation ceremony includes a benediction and invocation. FFRF-ETC reported the violation to FFRF-National, which sent a warning letter to Roane County.
July 2021
Governor Lee, in his June 4 message celebrating Tennessee’s 225th birthday, noted that people often describe Tennessee as “God’s Country”. FFRF-national wrote to Governor Lee, warning him to avoid illegal promotion of religion. FFRF has received no response from Governor Lee. This kind of stonewalling is typical for government bodies.
The Pelham Valley (TN) Volunteer Fire Department has scheduled a “God, Family, & Fireworks Independence Celebration” at Pelham Elementary School, a concerned local resident reports. Their flier includes a graphic of the Christian cross with the American flag and “God Bless America” at the center. The flier also calls for the public to meet and congregate at Valley Home Methodist Church for up to an hour before the parade starts. FFRF-national has sent a letter to the PVVFD warning them to stop unconstitutional promotion of religion.
In Hixson TN, the Campus Crusade for Christ has rented space at Hixson High school to conduct training to “bring the gospel” to middle school students. FFRF-national declined to issue a warning letter in this case because public schools are allowed to rent space to religious organizations, unless there is favoritism. FFRF-national suggests we make a public records request for the rental agreement.
Grand Oaks Elementary School (Anderson County) promoted a “See You At The Pole” event. FFRF-national sent a letter to them on December 10, 2019 warning them to stop this unconstitutional practice. FFRF-nationadl has received no response to this original letter nor to three follow-up letters. As FFRF-national points out, at least they now know that there are those who oppose these practices
May 2021
Knox County Public Schools: staff at Sterchi Elementary School distributed fliers to students promoting a summer camp at the Emerald Youth Center. The mission of this camp is "to raise up a large number of urban youth to love Jesus Christ and become effective leaders who help renew their communities." Not only is this promotion of religion by our County a violation of the First Amendment: the fliers omit a mandated disclaimer that the activity is not endorsed by Knox County. FFRF-ETC has reported this violation to the national FFRF office, who promises to send a sternly-written letter to Knox County.
TN Fosters Hope: The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services has worked with The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (TNFBCI) to create TN Fosters Hope with the goal of better meeting the needs of foster and adopted youth and their families. TNFBCI is a self-funded, independent nonprofit organization created by the government, somewhat akin to the Tennessee Valley Authority or the Post Office. Unlike the TVA and the Post Office, TN
Fosters Hope works to entangle government and religion. Their government website at https://tnfostershope.tn.gov/churches-and-housesof-worship calls on churches to organize to support foster and adoptive families. FFRF-ETC has reported this government promotion of religion to FFRF-national.
March, 2021
Washington County has installed a Ten Commandments plaque at the Courthouse in Jonesborough. An outraged citizen has reported the violation to FFRF national for possible legal action. Unfortunately, FFRF decided that the recent Brandenburg Cross Supreme Court decision gave poor prospects for a successful legal challenge.
Knox County Schools rent space to churches; this is not an issue for FFRF-ETC, so long no preferred treatment is provided. An irritation is that signs advertising meetings are left up – they are allowed on public property only when meetings occur. A persistent violator is Inskip elementary. We have reported this violation to FFRF national for possible legal action.
The Greenville County Sheriff (SC) has been using the official Facebook page to promote prayer. A complaint from an outraged citizen was forwarded to FFRF national, who sent a cease-and-desist letter and await a reply.
November, 2020
At Ridgedale Alternative School (Knox County), the principal and some teachers have been promoting a religious club on the principal's official school Facebook page. FFRF-ETC will report this to the national office for possible legal action.
Kingdom Partners, a Christian community organization, has signed an agreement with the Hamilton County Schools to provide space for virtual learning in 15 urban churches. While these churches may be providing a vital service, public schools must not be shepherding students into religious spaces. FFRF-ETC has reported this matter to the national office for possible legal action.
September, 2020
Church signs at schools: A member reports that a sign is on display at West Hills Elementary School (Knox County) advertising Zoom meetings for Concord Hills Church. The church met at the school prior to the pandemic. It’s legal to display a sign temporarily on school property directing attendees to a meeting there, but it isn’t allowed to leave the sign up permanently, and it certainly isn’t legal to advertise a meeting that isn’t being held at the school. FFRF-ETC will notify Knox County Schools of the violation. Another member reports that a similar sign is up at school in Chattanooga. The school says that the sign is on city/county property. FFRF-ETC will check whether this is allowed under local sign ordinance.
Banners at the football field: A concerned citizen reports that churches are advertising at football games at Farragut High School (Knox County). FFRF national tells us that regulation is lax because the ads are being sold by a booster club rather than by the public school. FFRF-ETC has a suitable banner provided by FFRF-national, and will look into hanging it up as counter-programming to religious ads.
July, 2020
Prayers at public meetings: Rutherford County, Loudon County, and the City of Murfreesboro are all starting their City/County Council meetings with a Christian prayer. Lamentably, Federal Court rulings hold this to be legal because prayers are led by Council members rather than by members of the public. FFRF-ETC is writing to these bodies urging them to purge their meetings of religious observances.
February, 2020
Knox County Schools continue Released Time for Bible study in defiance of School Board
Sterchi Elementary (Knox County) had instituted a program of bible study release: students were bused to a nearby church for religious indoctrination during the regular school day. Parents and teachers have complained. While bible release is legal in Tennessee, Knox County appears to have violated the First Amendment by having teachers distribute promotional fliers and permission slips. The program was not approved by the Knox County School Board; Superintendent Thomas authorized it as a pilot program.
The Satanic Children's Ministry of Knoxville is working to combat bible release time. If other religions are allowed to indoctrinate children, the Ministry promises to provide religious education on the "tenets of Satanism". Their Facebook page is here.
On 10/31/2019, FFRF-ETC distributed an informative flier describing the program to parents waiting to pick up their kids at the school. Since principal Lynn White is not receptive to complaints from parents regarding Released Time, parents were urged to contact school board members. Most parents were appreciative, but one was threatening. Many have written to board members. Here are links to coverage by a local newspaper and television station.
The Knox County Board of Education met on 12/11/2019 to vote 5-4 against adopting a Released Time policy. You can see newspaper and television coverage of the meeting.
Despite this rejection of a Released Time policy by the School Board, the Knox County Schools modified their Attendance Procedure to allow principals to excuse absences for "courses in religious moral instruction": the Sterchi released time program continues, despite having been rejected by the School Board.
January, 2020
The East Tennessee Children's Hospital sponsored a "Fantasy of Trees" event in Knoxville. An outraged citizen forwarded promotional material in which the hospital offered a $1 discount for attendees who provided a worship bulletin. FFRF-ETC reported this violation to the national office, who urged the hospital to end the discriminatory discount, pointing out that the practice violates the prohibitions of discrimination in public accommodation included in the federal Civil Rights Act as well as in Tennessee law.
November, 2019
An outraged parent reports the Gideons have been handing out bibles in 5th-grade classes at the Hamilton County Schools. The school's vice-principal responded to the parent's complaint by pointing out that "this is what happens in Tennessee Schools". Hamilton County policy does not allow distribution of religious material or distribution by outside parties in their schools. FFRF-ETC will forward the matter to FFRF national for action. The parent did not respond to inquiries from FFRF-ETC regarding the school’s name, so no action was taken.
Mentoring Children at John Adams Elementary School in Kingsport, TN (by Christ Fellowship Church): According to the news report, the mentoring program has been in place for three years. The mentoring program run by the church to support public school students is legal, but the Church’s website talks about “bringing God to the children”, so FFRF-ETC is concerned that illegal proselytizing may be ongoing. The matter was referred to FFRF national, which sent a stern letter to the Kingsport City Schools demanding that they dissociate from the Christ Fellowship Church.
FFRF-ETC has put up a billboard on Hwy. 129 in Maryville. TV news coverage can be seen here.
The Tullahoma Fire Department included Christian prayer and hymns in their 9-11 memorial observance. FFRF-ETC has forwarded the matter to FFRF national, which sent a scathing letter to the Fire Department asking that they refrain from scheduling prayer at future events.
In the Hawkins County Schools, according to local news, churches are mentoring public school kids. FFRF national will warn the County.
Anderson County Schools: A parent from Clinton reports a series of violations at Grand Oaks Elementary School. A local church is sponsoring the school, which bombards the students with notices thanking the church. A notice for a “meet me at the pole” prayer says that the event is organized by the church; such prayers are constitutional only when led and organized by students. FFRF national will warn the County.
Quillen VA Medical Center: A correspondent reported observing inspirational religious messages posted at this government facility. The violations were reported to the national FFRF office.
Knox County Sheriff: Bible verses have been observed on cop cars. FFRF-ETC will follow up if we can get a photographic evidence.
Pleasant Ridge Elementary (Knox County): The PTO for this public school has been promoting Christianity. First they advertised a car care clinic at Redemption Church. Next they asked parents to “pray for the teachers”. FFRF-ETC referred the matter to FFRF-national, who declined to help, noting that state-church separation does not apply as strictly to PTOs as to the schools themselves, and that “we have bigger complaints in Knox County Schools”. The school has now taken over the Facebook page, which make the violations more egregious.
Maryville Parks & Recreation: FFRF-ETC members have observed kids gathering for prayer before a soccer game in a government-organized league. They will get video evidence if they see it again.
FFRF-ETC has a new banner. Let us know if you see a Christian display on public property, so we can put our banner there too!
September, 2019
FFRF-ETC is preparing for the appearance of Nativity scenes in front of government buildings. FFRF national is supplying FFRF-ETC with "baby Bill of Rights" displays which can be erected as a secular alternative.
At Lanier Elementary School (Blount County), in informant reports that Gideons are leaving Bibles on the school's porch for distribution. The district has changed their policy to stop distribution at elementary schools, but we don’t know whether this change has been communicated to school Principals. FFRF-ETC is investigating.
At John Adams Elementary School in Kingsport, the Christ Fellowship Church has instituted a mentoring program. While it is legal and perhaps laudable for religious groups to help kids with their school work, the Church's website talks about "bringing God to the children", so FFRF-ETC is concerned that illegal proselytizing may by included. The matter has been referred to FFRF national. A news report can be seen here, and the Church's description of their program can be seen at their Facebook page here.
Robertson County Schools allows a church group to meet in their rooms after-hours. This is not problematic, provided facilities are available to all on equal terms. However, the church has posted on school property a sign advertising this meeting. Such a sign is allowed only when needed to direct attendees; the church has put it up full-time. FFRF-ETC is waiting for a picture of the signs so a complaint can be sent.
July, 2019
Blount County Clerk: customers buying licence plates report that they were handed the “In God We Trust” license plate, despite a posted policy that the god-free plate is the default. FFRF-ETC will send a complaint to the Blount County Clerk.
Stock Creek Baptist Church listed a Knox County Schools e-mail address as a contact for their vacation Bible School. Following a letter of complaint from FFRF-ETC, the church has apologized and given assurances that they will avoid similar violations.
Knox County Sheriff: While serving as a Detective, Grayson Fritts, pastor of All Scripture Baptist Church, said in a sermon that the government should execute members of the LGBTQ community. Fritts retired from his position with the Sheriff following a public outcry. FFRF national is sending a records request using FFRF-ETC as a local contact. We don’t know whether they’ve received a response.
The "Everyone's Wilson" initiative in Wilson County is a coalition of churches, businesses, and non-profits in the Mt. Juliet area which is planning to partner with every school in our county to promote education and combat drug addiction, hunger, and violence. Volunteers would provide tutoring and school supplies. A local parent is concerned that these laudable, secular goals may be accompanied by proselytizing: a local minister is quoted in the press regarding the initiative that "from a church’s perspective, we believe the ultimate transformation comes with a personal relationship with Jesus. The ultimate goal is for life transformation, but we believe that people can experience a little bit closer to what God intended for them to experience if we meet them in the pocket of their vulnerability.” The parent sought assurances from the director of schools that there will be no violation of the First Amendment, but has gotten no response. Following a complaint by a parent to FFRF-ETC which we referred to FFRF national, the FFRF legal team warned Wilson County that volunteers must refrain from proselytizing. Wilson County Deputy Director of Policy, Compliance, & Employee Relations Rebecca Owens assures FFRF that no proselytizing has occurred. Complaints like this let our local government know that the public is watching them.
Carbon Hill, AL: A concerned citizen reported that the City Police Department promoted the National Day of
Prayer on their official Facebook page. FFRF-ETC referred the matter to FFRF national, which wrote to the Department warning them to refrain from promoting religious events on social media. FFRF-ETC sometimes assists neighboring regions which have yet to establish an FFRF chapter.
Knox County: A concerned citizen reported that Mayor Jacobs endorsed a book of Christian testimony,
Jump: Take a Leap of Faith to Achieve Your Life of Abundance by Steve Harvey, in the May 2019 County Chronicle. FFRF National has warned the Mayor to refrain from using his position to promote religion.
May 2019
A parent at Karns Middle School reports that the football club posted on their Facebook page an Easter message with a Bible quote and a religious logo, “on behalf of the Karns Middle School Football Coaches and staff”. FFRF-ETC will send a letter of complaint to Karns Middle School.
March 2019
Robertson County Schools: parent reported to FFRF-ETC that the Gideons were distributing Bibles in classes, and that a teacher is promoting Christianity in class. The complaint will be forwarded to FFRF-national
At Westside Elementary (Macon County) a parent reported that students were taken to see “The Star”, a movie which promotes Christianity by telling the Nativity story. FFRF national sent a letter to the Macon County Director of Schools demanding cessation of field trips for religious programs. Director Boles has not responded to the original letter, nor to three follow-up letters.
Smith County School Board: A concerned citizen reported that the Board begins each meeting with a prayer. FFRF-ETC sent a report to FFRF-national, including a video of a prayer. FFRF-national has warned the Board to stop these constitutional violations. The citizen (a veteran) followed up with a report of student-led prayers at a Smith County school Veterans Day program. The School Board has not responded to FFRF-national.
Hamblen County Schools A concerned citizen reported that the Veteran’s Day program at Hillcrest Elementary School included a Christian prayer, providing a video of the violation. FFRF-ETC referred the matter to FFRF-national, who has warned the school Superintendent to stop the prayers. Hamblen County School Superintendent Jeff Perry promised that he would be more vigilent in preventing violations.
Governor Bill Lee’s Prayer Breakfast: FFRF national is investigating the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast. FFRF-National has sent a letter to request records, using FFRF-ETC as the local contact. The Governor’s office replied that “no such record(s) exists or this office does not maintain record(s) responsive to your request.” FFRF national will not follow up because this is a one-off event.
Santa Fe, TN PSTO meetings: The Vice President of the PSTO complained that the meetings begin with a prayer. FFRF-ETC reported this to FFRF national and got this response: “Parent-Teacher Organizations are technically private organizations that are separate from the school district. Therefore, unfortunately, there isn’t much we can do to stop the prayers. If your contact has evidence of school involvement or promotion, we may be able to look into this further.”
January 2019
Tennessee is #2!
FFRF's national office sent 1,200 letters of complaint in 2018, demanding that government entities and officials keep religion out of government. Tennessee ranked #2 (behind Texas) in the number of complaints (we are #16 in population). Does this reflect the religiosity of our government, or does this mean that we are more vigilant in policing violations? Please continue to report violations, either to our Facebook page (FFRF, East Tennessee Chapter) or directly to FFRF-national (https://ffrf.org/legal/report)
A creche has been erected on the front lawn of the Loudon County Clerk’s Office, as reported by an outraged citizen who provided FFRF-ETC with the above picture. FFRF-ETC reported the violation to FFRF-national, who suggested that citizens erect an alternative display. FFRF-ETC is looking for a Loudon County volunteer.
Greeneville Parks and Recreation: The Greeneville City government erected a nativity scene, then documented their own constitutional violation by reporting that Baby Jesus had been stolen and later recovered. FFRF-ETC reported this to FFRF-national, who suggest an alternative display. Again, FFRF-ETC is looking for a local volunteer.
The Opp (Alabama) Police Department is promoting religion and denigrating Satanism on their official Facebook page. FFRF-ETC passed a citizen’s complaint to FFRF-national, who sent a letter to Opp demanding a stop to such violations. FFRF is waiting for a response.
Maryville-Alcoa-Blount County Senior Center: seniors report prayers at a pot-luck luncheon at the Everett Senior Center in Maryville. FFRF-ETC will write a letter to the Everett Senior Center, which is part of Blount County Parks and Recreation.
The Anderson County Clerk's office is reported to be encouraging clients to choose the “In God We Trust” license plate, rather than secular alternatives. FFRF-ETC is seeking a more definite account of their actions.
The Oak Ridge schools are reportedly promoting a religious Baccalaureate Service for their high school graduation. FFRF-ETC is looking for clear documentation of the violation.
December 2018
Hillcrest Elementary School (Hamblen County) held an in-school Veterans Day assembly that included a Christian prayer delivered "in Jesus' name". A parent's complained to FFRF-ETC was forwarded to FFRF-national; they have written to the County School Superintendent asking that prayers not be included in future programs.
November 2018
Smith County Schools: A concerned parent reports that the Smith County School Board begins each meeting with a prayer, providing a video as documentation. FFRF-ETC has forwarded the complaint to FFRF national, which has written to the school board to request and end to these constitutional violations
September 2018
Russellville-Whitesburg Utility District: Bible verses are being printed on utility bills. Following a complaint from a customerand a letter from FFRF national, the utility board has agreed to discontinue these messages.
Tennessee schools are now required to display the "In God we Trust" motto. FFRF-ETC will be offering schools a minimally-offensive poster provided by the Original Motto Project.
August 2018
East Ridge Elementary School in Hamilton county has been distributing fliers promoting “vacation bible school” and other religious events occurring at local churches. Following a complaint by FFRF-ETC, FFRF national asked the Hamilton County Schools to stop these violations of the First Amendment. Hamilton County has agreed not to send home any flyers of any nature whatsoever unless they pertain directly to school programs.
July 2018
Clarkrange High School (Fentress County): Principal Judy Jones delivered a Christian prayer at the school's graduation ceremony, according to a complaint from a student. FFRF national wrote to the County Director of Schools demanding that these constitutional violations be stopped. The Superintendent of Schools denies that the Principal gave a prayer.
June 2018
Cumberland County Schools: A concerned resident complained to FFRF-ETC that the schools were using a sex education program administered by Plateau Pregnancy Services, a Christian ministry. In response to an Open Records request by FFRF-ETC, Cumberland County Director of Schools Janet Graham stated that the Plateau Pregnancy program was terminated in 2014 and that their schools now use the “Life on Point” program, “a research-based and evidence-based curriculum approved by the Tennessee State Department of Education Coordinated School Health Department”. Graham further noted that prayer meetings are voluntary, student-led, and generally before or after school. Graham says that she told the Fellowship of Christian Athletes that they could not present a message about Jesus and promote the gospel for Cumberland County students. PPS still has Cumberland County listed on their Web page along with other TN Counties. A follow up letter of appreciation will go to Cumberland County and letters were sent to the other counties and PPS. Kurt Dronebarger of the White County Board of Education replied that PPS does not work with White County Schools, who use the secular Cookeville Pregnancy Clinic for sex ed. Mike Jones of Fentress County replied that their schools do not work with PPS. Plateau Pregnancy Services has removed reference to serving students of Cumberland, Fentress and White Counties from their website.
Tennessee Department of Children’s Services: Tennessee requires aspiring foster parents to go through training which includes a video segment on “spirituality” which advises parents that they will need “a belief in something greater than you”, promoting spirituality, God, prayer, and faith. Parents must sign a “statement of faith”. FFRF-ETC, following a complaint by an aspiring parent, referred the matter to FFRF national, who sent a letter to the State. DCS agreed to stop using the offending video segment.
Van Buren County recently installed a 10 Commandments monument in front of their Justice Center. FFRF national would like to move forward with legal action against this violation of church/state separation. Litigation requires a resident of Van Buren County willing to be the complainant. FFRF national has been successful in similar lawsuits.
Knox County promotes Baccalaureate services. As described on the Bearden High School website, “baccalaureate is an optional, non-denominational service. It is an opportunity for parents, family and friends to give their blessings to the graduating seniors, thanking God for them, and challenging them to seek Him in the next chapter of their lives.” Litigation requires a family willing to come forward as complainants.
April 2018
Cleveland Middle School: A student complained that a teacher told students that they needed to be saved and that religious paraphernalia is displayed in library. The student was willing to come forward without anonymity. Responding to complaints from FFRF-ETC, the Principal committed to dealing with the issue, acknowleding the need for tolerance of diverse beliefs.
West Hills Elementary (Knox County): Signs promoting an Easter program by Concord West Hills Church were observed in front of the school. Following complaints by parents, FFRF-ETC asked West Hills Elementary Principal Kimberle Harrison and Clifford Davis, assistant to the Knox County Schools Superintendent, to remove the signs. Both Davis and Harrison assured FFRF-ETC that it would not happen (at that school) again.
Cumberland County Schools: Some County schools have posted the 10 Commandments. Following complaints from local parents, the national FFRF asked the County to remove the signs. On March 22, the County Board of Education voted 6-3 to keep the signs. FFRF-ETC issued an Action Alert encouraging citizens to contact the Board. Patricia Jones, a state representative for FFRF, spoke at the meeting to voice disapproval of the measure. The matter has been referred to FFRF national.
Alcoa High School: Students walked out of class on April 21 to protest school shootings. Principal Becky Stone tells the Blount County Daily Times that she responded by leading the protesting students in prayer. In response to a report from FFRF-ETC, FFRF national has sent a warning letter to Alcoa City Director of Schools Brian Bell.
March 2018
Wayne County High School: Following multiple reports by community members of prayers broadcasts over the P.A. system to students during the morning announcements, FFRF-ETC reported the situation to FFRF national, which has sent a cease and desist letter to the Director of Schools, who has agreed to stop the broadcasts.
February 2018
Lanier and Mary Blount Elementary Schools (Blount County): Parents report that teachers were handing out Bibles to 5th grade classes. FFRF-ETC has filed complaints with the Principal and Director of Schools, but an attorney representing Blount County declined to address the issue, claiming the FFRF-ETC has no standing because we do not have kids in the Blount County schools. FFRF-ETC has referred the matter to FFRF national.
Reach Them to Teach Them is a local nonprofit which encourages teachers to share their Christian faith with students. On October 24 they held an event called “Right Here 2017” at the Tennessee Theatre. While teachers are free to attend religious events, Knox County is providing in-service credit for attendance. FFRF-ETC has given FFRF national contact information for a teacher who attended the event so they can determine the extent of the constitutional violation and plan appropriate action.
January 2018
Several violations have been observed by a teacher at the Lenoir City Schools; they have been reported to FFRF-national, but they have not taken effective action. 1) A nativity scene is displayed on a secretary’s desk in the high school guidance office, along with a red cross, while playing religious music plays. In response to a teacher'scomplaint the principal says that this is the secretary’s “personal space”. 2) At Lenoir City School Board meetings, Ron Jordan, President of the Lenoir City Committee of 100, reports on the Committee’s activities, then performs a Christian prayer. FFRF-national has been notified; they send letters which are ignored. FFRF-ETC might request a secular prayer. 3) Ron Jordan calls himself the chaplain for Lenoir City Council and Lenoir City Schools Board of Education; it may be a first amendment violation for these government bodies to have a chaplain promoting Christianity. 4) The School Superintendent displays a plaque in his office: “The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you,” a clear first amendment violation. The Assistant Principal has his own plaque: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.
December 2017
Knox County Schools: A Knox County School employee asked FFRF-ETC to help them have a religious display removed from their offices in the Andrew Johnson Building.
The Knox County Schools complied with a request by FFRF-ETC and removed the display.
Coverage of the issue by the Knoxville News Sentinel is here. This was followed by a vicious attack on FFRF-ETC by News Sentinel columnist Greg Johnson, with a response by FFRF-ETC President Aleta Ledendecker.
November 2017
Knox County Health Department: an employee is displaying religious material on a bulletin board facing the public. In response to FFRF-ETC complaints, County Mayor Burchett has said that such displays are permissible. FFRF-ETC has referred the matter to FFRF-national for possible legal action. Coverage in the Knoxville News Sentinel is here. Coverage on WBIR is here.
Grundy County: A Facebook correspondent has reported two issues in Grundy County. Proceedings at a Grundy County Court are opening with a prayer. Our correspondent will try to record them, and give us the specific date and location. A memorial containing a bible verse stands in front of the courthouse; our correspondent will send a picture.
Dyllis Elementary School (Roane County): As part of their Veterans Day observance, the school displayed a poster reading “God Bless” our troops. FFRF-ETC has e-mailed the principal requesting remedial action.
Blount County Seal: depicts a church to illustrate that religion is one of three pillars of the county. Residents are asking the county to remove the religious references, and are appealing to FFRF-national to take legal action.
October 2017
Lanier Elementary School (Blount County) parents have been invited to stay at school during after-school tutoring; local churches will provide a dinner and a program fro the parents. FFRF-ETC is concerned that this will include religious content, but has not found a parent who can report on the meeting.
Camelot is a nonprofit which provides foster-care support services for the State of Tennessee. A member attended the foster-parent training program provided by Camelot. The training includes videos are produced by the State. Parents must sign a “statement of faith”. According to the “Charitable Choice” laws signed by Bill Clinton, many social service programs are required to allow the participation of faith-based organizations, but service providers are required to serve all clients regardless of their religion of lack thereof. FFRF-ETC will review the paperwork
September 2017
A parent reports that a teacher offered Bibles to students as they finished lunch at Mary Blount Elementary School (Blount County). FFRF-ETC sent a letter of complaint to the Director of Schools and the Blount County Attorney.
"Bible in the Schools" has donated $1.1 million to Hamilton County to cover the costs of Bible History classes in Chattanooga area schools. Students in one such class report that the teaching was fair; FFRF-ETC is interested to hear reports from other students to check for unconstitutional religious content.
August 2017
Parents complained that Linden Elementary School, Oak Ridge, promoted Christianity by broadcasting the "Hallelujah Chorus" over the P.A. system during morning announcements. The school's principal and the city's attorney have responded to complaints by FFRF-ETC by claiming that this devotional music is a small part of a balanced curriculum. FFRF-ETC filed an open records request to examine the school's music curriculum and concluded that a legal challenge would not be productive. Coverage by the Oak Ridge is here.
July 2017
In response to complaints from FFRF-ETC, the Knoxville Police Department has removed a Bible verse which was on display at a KPD office. Knoxville News Sentinel story here.
May 2017
Emerald Youth Center: the City of Knoxville has proposed a partnership with the Christian Emerald Youth Foundation to build a multipurpose facility and sports complex in the Lonsdale neighborhood of Knoxville, including a worship center. FFRF national has sent the City a letter protesting this government subsidy of religious activity.
Home Federal Bank: "Jesus" signs at employee desks have been reported by a patron at the Gibbs Branch. The president and vice-president of the branch responded to FFRF-ETC complaints by stating that employees can post whatever signs they like. FFRF-ETC has complained to the national office of Home Federal and is awaiting a response.
April 2017
Loudon High school: A parent complained to FFRF_ETC that a Loudon High School Spanish class gave students a quiz on Christian doctrine. Following FFRF-ETC complaints, the teacher was forced to apologize and grades for the quiz were removed from student records. The Director of Schools and the principal apologized to FFRF-ETC, saying that this won’t happen again.
March 2017
Bearden High School: a teacher reports that a classroom at Bearden High School (Knoxville) looks like a Christian shrine, complete with a large Christian cross, a quote from CS Lewis about how miracles do not contradict the laws of nature, quotes from Psalms and Corinthians, and a bible. FFRF will ask the Knox County Superintendent of Schools to clean this up.
Coffee County Middle School: a parent has complained and sent pictures of students and teachers praying together at a softball gave at Coffee County Middle School (Manchester, TN). FFRF-ETC will write letter to the Coffee County Superintendent of Schools.
Little Library: the Lenoir City High School Secular Student Alliance is working to erect a Little Library on the Lenoir City greenway. An initially positive response by Lenoir City Director of Parks followed by a denial of the request, after the Director learned who the sponsor was. The Director cited the threat of vandalism. This is likely a pretext rather than a bona fide reason, especially since a “Jesus Calling” book was photographed on the Director’s desk. A complaint from FFRF-ETC to the Director has been forwarded to the Lenoir City Attorney. A petition or an e-mail campaign might influence the Lenoir City government.
Lanier Elementary, Alcoa, Blount County: violations here are egregious. Teachers have been sending religious flyers home with kids. The principal has been promoting their “sponsor church” and telling parents how to vote. Christmas songs have been performed at the school, and students (and perhaps staff) participate in flagpole prayers. Complaints to FFRF national have not led to action. Since this is a high priority, with motivated parents, FFRF-ETC will take up the ball. FFRF-ETC has written to Blount County Director of Schools. In response, the Blount County Attorney denies wrongdoing, asserting that prayers are student-led and that the Christmas songs are not religious. FFRF-ETC has responded, pointing out how the church-school entanglement violates the first amendment.
February 2017
The annual Gun & Knife show, co-sponsored by Cumberland County, advertised free admission upon presentation of a church bulletin. Following notice from FFRF national that this was illegal discrimination, Cumberland County will ensure that this discrimination is discontinued.
January 2017
Emmanuel Assembly Church has posted a sign in front of Holston Middle School (Knox County) promoting their meetings in that school. FFRF-ETC found a parent willing to take the matter to court, if necessary, and contacted the Knox County Schools, who directed that the sign be taken down.
Bearden High School displays a logo in their foyer which includes a Roman cross. FFRF-ETC has contacted FFRF national regarding the Bearden High School logo and awaits a response.
A bill has been sent to Governor Haslam making “In God we Trust” an optional, no-cost addition to Tennessee License plates. Contact Governor Haslam with your opinions.
Governor Haslam has signed a bill defining “mother”, “father”, “husband”, and “wife” as having their “natural and ordinary meaning”.
The Gideons have been distributing Bibles at Chuckey Elementary (Greene County) FFRF-ETC is working with FFRF attorneys to stop this illegal promotion of religion. FFRF-ETC is considering the distribution of freethought literature as an "equal time" measure.
December 2016
Following complaints from FFRF-ETC, the Postmaster of the South Knoxville Post Office has removed religious artwork which was publicly displayed.
At Belle Morris Elementary (Knox County) a banner was on display advertising a church event while teacher-led prayers were being conducted in a kindergarten class. Both illegal practices have been discontinued following complaints from FFRF-ETC.
Cumberland County has sponsored a gun and knife show offering a discount to those presenting church bulletins. Following protests by FFRF-ETC, the county will discontinue this illegal promotion of religion.
Following protests from FFRF-ETC, Meadowview Middle School (Hamblen County) will discontinue prayers illegally led by coaches at football practices and games.
Teachers at Lee Elementary School (Tullahoma City) have been wearing t-shirts with biblical references, with the support of the Tullahoma City School System. FFRF-ETC is working to stop this illegal promotion of religion.
Ball Camp Elementary School has signs promoting local churches displayed on its baseball field. FFRF-ETC, along with other local secular groups, as asked the school to put up our sign as will. A banner has been designed and awaits deployment.
Emmanuel Assembly Church has posted a sign in front of Holston Middle School (Knox County) promoting their meetings in that school. FFRF-ETC is working with the City of Knoxville and the Knox County School district to have this illegal sign taken down.
Other FFRF-national Actions in Tennessee:
November 2017
McEwan Junior High (Waverly) Christian prayers delivered over the loudspeaker at the start of football games have been discontinued followingn complaints from FFRF
September 2016
FFRF has persuaded Shelby County to suspend land give-aways to churches.
The post office in Morristown removed the Christian "Sign of the Times" magazine rack from its property following FFRF complaints.