In a move raising eyebrows among Christian communities, The Satanic Temple is introducing a new after-school religious program for elementary-aged students at Edgewood Elementary School in Marysville, Ohio. Known as the “Hellion Academy of Independent Learning,” or “HAIL,” the program has stirred significant debate since being approved as part of the school’s release time religious instruction initiative.

While Christian programs have long been a staple of release time religious education, this program presents a stark contrast. The Satanic Temple describes itself as a “non-theistic” organization, asserting that its focus is on teaching principles such as empathy, compassion, and justice rather than promoting any form of worship.

“When they hear it, it’s initially shocking — ‘Oh, The Satanic Temple,'” said June Everett, the program’s director, in an interview with WSYX-TV. “They automatically think evil and awful things. We are not devil worshippers; we are non-theistic Satanists.”

This isn’t the first time the HAIL program has made its way into public schools. A similar offering has been introduced at an elementary school in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania. However, Edgewood’s inclusion of the class has ignited fierce discussions in Ohio, where parents and faith leaders are grappling with the implications of the program.

The program’s presence at Edgewood Elementary stems from a few parents’ concerns about Christian-based options dominating the release time initiative. Community organizer Betty Elswick explained, “We wanted to make sure that we had a program that taught compassion, empathy and inclusion. Several parents had expressed concerns about their kids coming home and being bullied or made fun of and teased for not participating in the other programs in the area.”

Despite the attention, interest in the HAIL program appears limited. Thus far, only four students have enrolled. However, Everett is undeterred, stating, “As long as there is one child to attend and one family that wants to send their child, that is all we care about. We are not in this for the numbers.”

The Satanic Temple has increasingly made headlines for its provocative initiatives. This fall, the group expanded its telehealth abortion clinic operations to Virginia, offering what it describes as “religious abortion services” under the framework of a so-called “destruction ritual.” The organization has tied its abortion advocacy to its broader mission of promoting bodily autonomy and challenging Christian influence in public spaces.

While the HAIL program claims to focus on values such as inclusion and critical thinking, its association with The Satanic Temple and its controversial activities has left many Christians deeply unsettled. Faith leaders argue that the program represents an affront to traditional religious teachings and values.

The development has prompted calls for increased vigilance among Christians to protect and promote biblical values in schools and public life. While some see the HAIL program as a fringe initiative with little lasting impact, others warn that its presence signals a larger cultural shift.

“Our children are being targeted with messages that undermine biblical truth,” said a local pastor. “This is a wake-up call for Christians to take a stand for their faith and ensure their kids are rooted in the Word of God.”

For now, the HAIL program’s rollout at Edgewood Elementary is a stark reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle for the hearts and minds of the next generation. Parents and community members are watching closely, with many asking whether programs like these belong in public schools at all.