‘After School Satan Club’ at California elementary school stirs controversy

After School Satan Clubs are sponsored by The Satanic Temple, a nontheistic religious organization based in Salem, Massachusetts, that pushes for the separation of church and state.

The Satanic Temple After School Satan Club logo. Image courtesy of TST

By 

Alejandra Molina

(RNS) — An “After School Satan Club” aiming to teach students about inquiry and rationalism is set to begin in early December at a California elementary school, triggering controversy among parents and guardians who say the club shouldn’t be allowed, according to local news reports.

After School Satan Clubs are sponsored by The Satanic Temple, a nontheistic religious organization based in Salem, Massachusetts, that pushes for the separation of church and state. They meet at select public schools where other religious clubs meet, such as the Good News Club — an after-school program hosted by the Child Evangelism Fellowship to “bring the Gospel of Christ to children.” 

The Satanic Temple, which is separate from the Church of Satan, was founded in 2013. It does not worship Satan and its tenets declare that the freedoms of others should be respected, that people should have control over their own bodies and that scientific facts shouldn’t be distorted to fit one’s beliefs.

The After School Satan Club is to launch Dec. 5 at Golden Hills Elementary School in Tehachapi, a city in Kern County about 115 miles north of Los Angeles, said June Everett, an After School Satan Club campaign director. After School Satan Clubs are set up at the request of local parents, educators or other community members, according to the Satanic Temple website. Everett said a parent reached out a few months ago requesting the club, which will gather once a month through May 2023.

“The fact that others find our club controversial when they have absolutely no issues with the other religious clubs operating in their public school is puzzling to us,” said Everett, an ordained minister with The Satanic Temple.

Tehachapi Unified School District Superintendent Stacey Larson-Everson, in a Nov. 15 letter obtained by The Bakersfield Californian, announced the district had approved the After School Satan Club to host gatherings after school hours in the elementary school’s cafeteria.

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RELATED: No, they do not worship the devil, and other myths dispelled in new book on satanism

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By law, Larson-Everson said, the district can’t discriminate among groups wishing to use its facilities or distribute flyers “based on viewpoint.” The superintendent noted that religious groups are among those the district has allowed to rent its facilities over the years.

The 2001 Supreme Court ruling Good News Club v. Milford Central School paved the way for After School Satan Clubs to exist in public schools. The High Court ruled that schools cannot discriminate against religious organizations offering a club on its facilities.

Sheila Knight, grandparent to a fifth grader at Golden Hills, told Bakersfield CBS affiliate KBAK that the After School Satan Club is “disgusting.”

“I understand the school by law has to allow them because they allow other after school programs such as the Good News … but I can’t imagine why anyone would want their child to attend,” she told KBAK.

“Just the name alone, ’Satanic Temple,’ is negative and these elementary kids don’t need that,” another woman told the news agency.

Additionally, Tehachapi News reported that news of the club had generated so much controversy on social media that administrators of the Tehachapi Raves and Rants Facebook group shut down comments at least once “so they could sleep.” The administrator of the Tehachapi Ask Facebook group decided to remove comments about the topic, the news site reported.

Paul Hicks, identified as a volunteer with the After School Satan Club, told KBAK that Christian-based clubs such as the Good News Club are a main reason the After School Satan Club is necessary. “We want to give an alternative point of view,” he said.

“I’m not teaching these kids that they need to hail Satan or identify as Satanists. What we’re doing is we’re thinking critical thinking, we’re teaching science, we’re teaching empathy,” Hicks said.

According to Everett, there are two active After School Satan Clubs in the country, one in Moline, Illinois, and another in Lebanon, Ohio. One such club is launching Nov. 28 in Wilmington, Ohio. Three clubs are pending approval in Eaton, Ohio; Chesapeake, Virginia; and and Endwell, New York.

The Satanic Temple said it uses the word “Satan” in the name of the club because “Satan, to us, is not a supernatural being.

“Instead, Satan is a literary figure that represents a metaphorical construct of rejecting tyranny over the human mind and spirit,” it states on its website.

The presence of evangelical after-school clubs “not only established a precedent for which school districts must now accept Satanic groups, but the evangelical after school clubs have created the need for Satanic after school clubs to offer a contrasting balance to student’s extracurricular activities,” according to the Satanic Temple.

IF ATHEISTS HAD A RELIGION...

‘After School Satan Club’ at California elementary school stirs controversy

After School Satan Clubs are sponsored by The Satanic Temple, a nontheistic religious organization based in Salem, Massachusetts, that pushes for the separation of church and state.

The Satanic Temple After School Satan Club logo. Image courtesy of TST

November 22, 2022

By 

Alejandra Molina

(RNS) — An “After School Satan Club” aiming to teach students about inquiry and rationalism is set to begin in early December at a California elementary school, triggering controversy among parents and guardians who say the club shouldn’t be allowed, according to local news reports.

After School Satan Clubs are sponsored by The Satanic Temple, a nontheistic religious organization based in Salem, Massachusetts, that pushes for the separation of church and state. They meet at select public schools where other religious clubs meet, such as the Good News Club — an after-school program hosted by the Child Evangelism Fellowship to “bring the Gospel of Christ to children.” 

The Satanic Temple, which is separate from the Church of Satan, was founded in 2013. It does not worship Satan and its tenets declare that the freedoms of others should be respected, that people should have control over their own bodies and that scientific facts shouldn’t be distorted to fit one’s beliefs.

The After School Satan Club is to launch Dec. 5 at Golden Hills Elementary School in Tehachapi, a city in Kern County about 115 miles north of Los Angeles, said June Everett, an After School Satan Club campaign director. After School Satan Clubs are set up at the request of local parents, educators or other community members, according to the Satanic Temple website. Everett said a parent reached out a few months ago requesting the club, which will gather once a month through May 2023.

“The fact that others find our club controversial when they have absolutely no issues with the other religious clubs operating in their public school is puzzling to us,” said Everett, an ordained minister with The Satanic Temple.

Tehachapi Unified School District Superintendent Stacey Larson-Everson, in a Nov. 15 letter obtained by The Bakersfield Californian, announced the district had approved the After School Satan Club to host gatherings after school hours in the elementary school’s cafeteria.

---

RELATED: No, they do not worship the devil, and other myths dispelled in new book on satanism

---

By law, Larson-Everson said, the district can’t discriminate among groups wishing to use its facilities or distribute flyers “based on viewpoint.” The superintendent noted that religious groups are among those the district has allowed to rent its facilities over the years.

The 2001 Supreme Court ruling Good News Club v. Milford Central School paved the way for After School Satan Clubs to exist in public schools. The High Court ruled that schools cannot discriminate against religious organizations offering a club on its facilities.

Sheila Knight, grandparent to a fifth grader at Golden Hills, told Bakersfield CBS affiliate KBAK that the After School Satan Club is “disgusting.”

“I understand the school by law has to allow them because they allow other after school programs such as the Good News … but I can’t imagine why anyone would want their child to attend,” she told KBAK.

“Just the name alone, ’Satanic Temple,’ is negative and these elementary kids don’t need that,” another woman told the news agency.

Additionally, Tehachapi News reported that news of the club had generated so much controversy on social media that administrators of the Tehachapi Raves and Rants Facebook group shut down comments at least once “so they could sleep.” The administrator of the Tehachapi Ask Facebook group decided to remove comments about the topic, the news site reported.

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RELATED: The Satanic Temple takes aim at Idaho, Indiana abortion bans

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Paul Hicks, identified as a volunteer with the After School Satan Club, told KBAK that Christian-based clubs such as the Good News Club are a main reason the After School Satan Club is necessary. “We want to give an alternative point of view,” he said.

“I’m not teaching these kids that they need to hail Satan or identify as Satanists. What we’re doing is we’re thinking critical thinking, we’re teaching science, we’re teaching empathy,” Hicks said.

According to Everett, there are two active After School Satan Clubs in the country, one in Moline, Illinois, and another in Lebanon, Ohio. One such club is launching Nov. 28 in Wilmington, Ohio. Three clubs are pending approval in Eaton, Ohio; Chesapeake, Virginia; and and Endwell, New York.

The Satanic Temple said it uses the word “Satan” in the name of the club because “Satan, to us, is not a supernatural being.

“Instead, Satan is a literary figure that represents a metaphorical construct of rejecting tyranny over the human mind and spirit,” it states on its website.

The presence of evangelical after-school clubs “not only established a precedent for which school districts must now accept Satanic groups, but the evangelical after school clubs have created the need for Satanic after school clubs to offer a contrasting balance to student’s extracurricular activities,” according to the Satanic Temple.

FOX FREAKS OUT

After-school 'Satan Club' takes new aim at archenemy: Christian clubs for kids

The Satanic Temple is fighting against Christian-focused after-school clubs — and children are in the crosshairs
By Lauren Green | Fox News

The Satanic Temple recently opened an after-school "Satan Club" in a Moline, Illinois, elementary school, as part of its nationwide campaign to push back against the Christian Good News Clubs offered to schoolchildren after regular-hour classes.

Parents protested outside the Jane Addams Elementary School in Moline when the first after-school Satan Club met there last month.

Last Thursday, a few people came out to protest the club's second meeting as well.

AFTER-SCHOOL ‘SATAN CLUB’ ELICITS CONCERN FROM PARENTS IN ILLINOIS

It's why some say that spiritual warfare is now taking place in America's public schools.

The Satanic Temple, which runs the program, said students would be offered activities such as science and crafts projects, puzzles and games — and that they would learn about benevolence, empathy, critical thinking, problem-solving and creative expression, too.

Lucien Greaves, the Satanic Temple spokesperson, told Fox News about the clubs, "I'm hoping that with our presence, people can see that good people can have different perspectives, sometimes on the same mythology, but not mean any harm."

This image is used by the Satanic Temple. The nearly-nine-foot statue depicts its leader as a tall winged human with a goat's head and horns — as two children, standing on either side, look up at the figure adoringly. (AP)

Greaves also said, "We're not including items of religious opinion … We're not teaching children about Satanism. They're just going to know that this is taught by Satanists."

The Satanic Temple is not hiding the fact that it created the clubs to take on the Christian club called the Good News Club — which has become its No. 1 nemesis.

Said Greaves, "The after-school Satan Clubs were conceived of in order to give an alternative to [the] religious indoctrination [of] after-school programs."
‘Contrary to the Good News of Jesus Christ’

Reece Kauffman, president of Child Evangelism, which operates the Good News Clubs, said of the Satanic Temple, "I cannot tell you what's in their hearts, but they certainly are doing work that would be contrary to the Good News of Jesus Christ."

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June 2001 that religious groups could operate after-class programs in public schools.

Good News Christian Clubs are now in about 5,000 schools nationwide.

An Addams School spokesperson released a statement saying it was not endorsing the Satan Club or the Good News Club. Yet because of the Supreme Court's decision, it could not turn down any group that wanted to start an after-school program, it said.

The Supreme Court ruled in June 2001 that religious groups could offer after-school programs in public schools. The high court ruled 6-3 for a Christian youth group, saying a New York public school district must allow the Good News Club to hold after-school meetings for children. (Associated Press)

Last month, Fox News Digital reached out to the Addams School district for comment about the Satan Club in Moline. A spokesperson said a flyer that had been placed within the school building was legitimate — but she stressed it was "not generated by the district, not distributed to all students, and not affiliated with any teacher in the district." Candace Sountris, communications director, also said, "Community use of [the] school facility after school hours [is] approved by the Board of Education in accordance with IL School Code."

Kauffman of Child Evangelism recently told Fox News, "We're not trying to be against anyone. We're simply trying to take the biblical Good News of the Gospel to the children."

GROWING NUMBER OF STATES PUSH ‘BIBLE LITERACY’ CLASSES IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The Satanic Temple says it's really an atheist organization, despite a statue depicting its leader as a tall human with a goat's head and horns and two children looking on adoringly.

Its says its followers don't believe in spiritual evil or a literal devil.


This artist's rendering was provided by the Satanic Temple some years ago of its then-proposed monument. The statue went up in Detroit in 2015; it was created with the help of a fundraising effort. (Associated Press)

And for them, the devil is simply a symbol of "defiance, independence, wisdom and self-empowerment."

The Bible, however, has plenty to say about the dangers of spiritual evil and its No. 1 perpetrator, Satan.

It calls the devil the "father of lies" whose real power rests in his ability to deceive. Readers of the Bible know that the devil's first appearance on creation's stage is in the Garden of Eden, tempting Adam and Eve, and the infamous "Fall from Grace."

Satan, in the form of a serpent, convinces the ancestral humans to defy God's decree to not eat the fruit of a tree. It's not the fruit that caused the problem — it was disobeying God.

Lucien Greaves, in this Oct. 24, 2016, file photo, stands next to a statue of the goat-headed idol Baphomet at the headquarters of the Satanic Temple in Salem, Mass. Greaves said in 2016 the temple hopes to ensure Satanists "have a place in the world." (Associated Press)

That ancient act, the Bible says, ushered into creation disease, decay, death ... and all sorts of crippling sins that separate humans from God.

But the Genesis story leaves one clue as to how it will be resolved, and how the world will someday be redeemed. It will happen during a key meeting between God and Satan sometime in the centuries ahead — that a descendent of Eve will "bruise" Satan's head, while Satan "shall bruise his heel" (Genesis 3:15).

That cryptic verse in Scripture has spawned many religious discussions. But according to most theologians, that "crushing" and "bruising" happens in the New Testament, and the encounter begins in another garden, the Garden of Gethsemane, when Jesus is betrayed and arrested.

The victory over Satan occurs on the cross where Jesus is put to death, and where death itself, the true enemy, was defeated with Jesus' resurrection from the dead.

A woman prays to God in this file photo. Reece Kauffman of Child Evangelism and other Christian theologians believe the real spiritual danger today is believing that Satan doesn't exist. (Associated Press)

But it doesn't mean Satan isn't still dangerous. He's like a wounded animal.

John Stott, the noted English theologian, used Satan's depiction in the Bible's apocalyptic book, Revelation, to explain why Satan is still a danger to us. It's because we live in the overlap of the ages between the world of a fallen creation — and the new heavens and new earth that Jesus brought.

"Satan — the term itself — means evil. This is not the influence you want to bring upon your children."— Reece Kauffman of Child Evangelism to Fox News

Stott said Satan as the "Red Dragon," and his legion of fallen angels, are still engaged in a spiritual battle with God's image bearers, us … but that "he knows his time is short" (Rev. 12:12).

"The devil," Stott also said, "has been defeated and dethroned … However, the rage he feels in the knowledge of his approaching doom leads him to redouble [his activities]. Victory over him has been won, but painful conflict with him continues" ("The Cross of Christ," page 243).

Kauffman and other Christian theologians say the real spiritual danger is in believing Satan doesn't exist.

Lauren Green is chief religion correspondent for Fox News Channel. 

You can fight against what you know — but not what you believe is not there at all.

Kauffman also says of the Satanic Temple, "They're doing the work of Satan, whether they want to acknowledge it or not, because this is what Satan would do. Satan, the term itself, means evil. And this is not the influence you want to bring upon your children."

The after-school Satan Clubs have not been that popular. The school said two students from the same family attended the first meeting in January.

Those same two students attended the second meeting last week.

After-school Satan Clubs take on Christian clubs

Lauren Green, chief religion correspondent for Fox News, reports on the latest developments among these competing points of view.

'Satan Club' approved at Kansas high school

 By Stepheny Price 

Fox News
Published December 26, 2023

A high school in Kansas is embroiled in controversy after a "Satan Club" was approved despite a petition being brought against it.

Olathe Northwest High School, a school in a suburb of Kansas City, has been given the green light to establish a Satan worship/Satan Templist Club, according to Fox 4 Kansas City.



An Olathe Public Schools spokesperson stated, "the club application met the criteria to establish a student-initiated club and is now recognized as a student-initiated club at Olathe Northwest High School."

According to the school district, there was criteria the club had to meet before the application was approved.

'AFTER SCHOOL SATAN CLUB' DRAWS CONCERN FROM TENNESSEE PARENTS: 'FIND SOMEWHERE ELSE'

Olathe Northwest High School in Kansas approved a "Satan Club." (Olathe Public Schools)

One of the terms of the application was that the application itself had to be signed by at least ten students interested in forming the group, while additional signatures needed to come from a student representative and faculty supervisor.

The students that would be the leaders of the club were also expected to make a presentation to administrators about what the group would bring to the high school.

A federal law, known as the Equal Access Act, prohibits public schools from discriminating against a student-initiated group based on a message that is philosophical or religious.

THE SATANIC TEMPLE TO HOST ‘AFTER SCHOOL SATAN CLUB’ AT MEMPHIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

A spokesperson for the district told Fox 4 KC that this means if the school allows one club, it allows all clubs if the application process is complete and the group meets the guidelines for recognition.

In response to the school's announcement, a concerned student created a petition online called, "Stop The Satan Worship Club at Olathe Northwest," in early December.

"This deeply troubles me and many others in our community as we believe that schools should be places of education and growth, not platforms for satanic indoctrination or controversial practices," Drew McDonald, the creator of the petition wrote in a post.

PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL DISTRICT AGREES TO $200K SETTLEMENT WITH THE SATANIC TEMPLE FOR AFTER SCHOOL SATAN CLUB

A t-shirt promoting an after-school Satan Club. A high school in Kansas has now approved its own after-school Satan Club. (After School Satan Club)

As of Tuesday, the petition had gained 81 new signatures, bringing the total to nearly 7,800. However, it was not enough to keep the group from being approved by the school.

"As an Olathe resident, taxpayer, and Christian, I am appalled that something of this nature was even considered for a Olathe public school. The administrators, executives, teachers that allowed this to happen do not have the children's best interest in mind. This needs to be expunged immediately," one person commented on the petition.

"We urge the relevant authorities in Olathe, KS - school administrators, district officials and local representatives - to reconsider this decision. We believe it is not in the best interest of our children or community," McDonald wrote.

The Kansas high school is now the latest school to create a club like this.

SATANIC TEMPLE LEADER TOUTS AFTER-SCHOOL CLUB AS ALTERNATIVE TO RELIGIOUS CLUBS 'PROSELYTIZING' TO STUDENTS

Last week, the Satanic Temple announced plans to host its first After School Satan Club (ASSC) in Cordova, Tennessee, at Chimneyrock Elementary School.

Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania, a school district reached a settlement with The Satanic Temple in a lawsuit that alleged the district discriminated against students by barring one of the group's After School Satan clubs from using a school building earlier this year.

Last year, elementary schools in Virginia, California and Massachusetts also hosted "Satan Clubs," and were met with criticism from concerned parents.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Olathe School District, but has not yet heard back.

 

NIKE SUES COMPANY THAT MADE LIL NAS X’S SATAN SHOES

Aleia Woods

Published: March 29, 2021

MSCHF / Lil Nas X via YouTuTWEET

NIKE SUES DESIGNER OVER LIL NAS X ‘SATAN SHOES’

UPDATE (March 29):

On Monday afternoon, a rep for Nike confirmed the lawsuit against MSCHF to XXL.

"Nike filed a trademark infringement and dilution complaint against MSCHF today related to the Satan Shoes," the statement reads. "We don’t have any further details to share on pending legal matters. However, we can tell you we do not have a relationship with Lil Nas X or MSCHF. The Satan Shoes were produced without Nike’s approval or authorization, and Nike is in no way connected with this project."

ORIGINAL STORY:

Nike is standing their ground against Lil Nas X's recently released collaboration of a Satan-themed Nike Air Max 97 sneaker with Brooklyn, N.Y.-based art collective MSCHF, which appears in the rapper's controversial new "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" video. The billion-dollar shoe brand is reportedly filing a lawsuit against MSCHF for misleading buyers into thinking Nike approved the shoe when it was actually a customization done by the art company and Nas X.

According to a report from TMZ on Monday (March 29), Nike claims that they didn't authorize the reworked sneaker Lil Nas X dropped in conjunction with MSCHF to accompany the release of his single "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)," which arrived last Friday (March 26). Nike reportedly says they are "in no way connected with this project." The sneakers appear in the video being worn by the Satan actor, which can be seen beginning at the 2:27-mark of the visual.

Nike is suing MSCHF for trademark infringement because their signature Swoosh logo is featured on the Satan-inspired shoe. The company is seeking damages and wants all sales from the shoe to be blocked from Lil Nas X.

The sneaker conglomerate also notes that MSCHF buys shoes from Nike, modifies them to fit their own brand and resells for much higher than Nike's initial retail price.

Read More: Nike Sues Company That Made Lil Nas X's Satan Shoes - XXL | https://www.xxlmag.com/nike-sues-lil-nas-x-satan-shoes-lawsuit/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

NIKE SUES DESIGNER OVER LIL NAS X ‘SATAN SHOES’

BY ETHAN SHANFELD
March 29, 2021 

The rapper has become embroiled in a novel skirmish in the sneaker wars.

MSCHF/MEGA

Lil Nas X is dancing with the devil (both literally and figuratively) after the release of his fiery “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” music video and limited edition “Satan Shoes,” Sportico sister publication Variety reports.

The hip-hop superstar who broke records with his country-infused hit Old Town Road is stirring controversy after promoting his new sneakers, a collaboration with MSCHF, which feature Satanic imagery, a Bible verse and a drop of real human blood.

The shoes were made using Nike Air Max 97s, but the sportswear giant has said they do not endorse them, filing a lawsuit against MSCHF for trademark infringement. Nike claims that the “unauthorized” sneaker has caused confusion amongst customers, many of whom believe that the company is promoting Satanism.

“Nike files this lawsuit to maintain control of its brand, to protect its intellectual property, and to clear the confusion and dilution in the marketplace by setting the record straight—Nike has not and does not approve or authorize MSCHF’s customized Satan Shoes,” the suit reads.

The red and black kicks include a pentagram, the “Devil’s Star,” and an inscription of “Luke 10:18,” the Bible passage that reads, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” The air bubble at the sole of the shoe contains about two fluid ounces of red ink and a drop of human blood, supplied by people who work at MSCHF. The packaging includes drawings of the Devil walking up to Jesus. All 666 pairs of the rapper’s Satan Shoes, listed at $1,018, sold out in under a minute.

“People already demonize who I am,” Lil Nas X said in a new interview with Complex. “I’m gonna make the best of it.”

Immediately after news broke of the hell-raising sneakers, several prominent politicians, religious figures and celebrities voiced concern and outrage.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem wrote on Twitter, “We are in a fight for the soul of our nation. We need to fight hard. And we need to fight smart. We have to win.”

Rapper Joyner Lucas raised concern about Lil Nas X’s young fanbase being exposed to the controversial music video and shoes.

Pro basketball player Nick Young also took to Twitter, writing, “My kids will never play Old Town Road again,” and saying that he is “debating about wearing Nike.”

Lil Nas X has fought back, defending his music and sneaker release as art and calling people out for hypocrisy in their anger. See the artist’s tweets below:

Nike agrees to settlement with 'Satan Shoe' maker

Issued on: 09/04/2021 - 

Lil Nas X performs onstage during the Grammy Awards in January 2020

 Robyn Beck AFP/File

New York (AFP)

The company behind the "Satan Shoes" released in collaboration with rapper Lil Nas X has settled with Nike over the sneakers the corporate giant said were trademark infringement.

MSCHF, the Brooklyn studio that developed 666 pairs of customized Nike Air Max 97s -- complete with an apparent drop of human blood in the midsole -- issued a voluntary recall for the kicks.

In a Friday email the company offered a full refund of the original retail price and shipping costs to customers who purchased either the Satan Shoes or the previously released "Jesus Shoes" -- which contained holy water in the sole.

The Satan Shoes went for $1,018 each.

"We have agreed to settle the lawsuit," the MSCHF email read. "As part of the settlement, Nike has asked us, and we have agreed, to initiate a recall in order to remove the Satan Shoes and the Jesus Shoes from circulation."

"This is a voluntary recall: it is totally within your rights to choose whether to return your Satan Shoes or Jesus Shoes."

The Satan Shoes sold out almost instantly when they dropped late last month.

Their release triggered controversy from some American conservatives, especially those already incensed by artist Lil Nas X's lusty video for the song "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" whose release was affiliated with the shoes.

Nike alleged in federal court documents that the sneakers prompted boycott calls against them from offended consumers, who erroneously associate the sneaker giant with the bloody soled-shoes due to their trademark swoosh symbol.

Details of the settlement beyond the recall were not disclosed.

"The parties are pleased to put this dispute behind them," a Nike spokesperson said in a statement.

© 2021 AFP

Maker of Lil Nas X 'Satan shoes' blocked by Nike insists they are works of art

MSCHF cannot sell 666 pairs of controversial sneakers
‘Conceptual art collective’ bemoans legal reverse

The customised Nike Air Max 97s each contain a drop of human blood. Photograph: MSCHF
Priya Elan
Sat 3 Apr 2021 

THE GUARDIAN

The maker of the rapper Lil Nas X’s controversial “Satan shoes” responded to a lawsuit from Nike by claiming the sneakers were works of art.

Satan shoes? Sure. But Lil Nas X is not leading American kids to devil-worship
Akin Olla

The customised Nike Air Max 97s, which each contain a drop of human blood, have also stoked outrage among conservative politicians.

Nike said “sophisticated sneakerheads were confused” by the shoes, and succeeded in its attempt to block MSCHF from shipping to customers any of 666 sold-out pairs.

MSCHF, however, describes itself as a “conceptual art collective” which “engage[s] fashion, art, tech and capitalism in various, often unexpected mediums”.

Responding to the Nike suit on its website, it insisted the shoes were “art created for people to observe, speculate on, purchase and own” and added: “Satan is as much part of the art historical canon as Jesus, from Renaissance Hellmouths to Milton.”

“We are not affiliated with Nike,” it said, “as we have consistently iterated to the press. We were honestly surprised by the action Nike has taken, and immediately after Nike’s counsel sent us notice we reached out but received no response.”

MSCHF previously created a batch of all-white “Jesus shoes”, which contained so-called holy water. Nike did not sue then.

In legal documents regarding the “Satan shoes”, Nike said MSCHF had “materially altered” its shoes “to prominently feature a Satanic theme … without Nike’s approval or authorisation”.

Nike also rejected the claim to the status of art, saying MSCHF “did not create a single shoe-shaped sculpture to sit in a museum” and instead “created hundreds of shoes emblazoned with a NikeSwoosh that it sold to allcomers”.

Lil Nas X, who had offered the final pair of the shoes as a competition prize, told followers: “Sorry guys, I’m legally not allowed to give the 666th away anymore because of the crying nerds on the internet.

“I feel like it’s fucked up they have so much power they can get shoes cancelled. Freedom of expression gone out the window.”

MSCHF said it “strongly believe[d] in the freedom of expression … and nothing is more important than our ability, and the ability of other artists like us, to continue our work over the coming years.”

It also said the Satan Shoes project “started a conversation, while also living natively in its space”.

The Lil Nas X song the sneakers were made to promote, Montero (Call Me By Your Name), is expected to top charts around the world.

The Satanic Temple to launch ‘After School Satan Club’ at Memphis elementary school

Lawrencia Grose
Tue, December 12, 2023 

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — The Satanic Temple plans to host its “After School Satan Club” at Chimneyrock Elementary School in Cordova.

The club will start the program on January 10 in the school’s library and run through the spring semester, according to an announcement posted on Facebook Tuesday morning.

The Satanic Temple claims to be a non-theistic religion that views Satan as a figure who represents “championing the human mind and spirit.” The group says the club does not attempt to convert children to any religious ideology. The clubs began nationwide in 2020.

They said there will be various activities centered around the Seven Fundamental Tenets, including science and community service projects, puzzles and games, nature activities, and arts and crafts.

After School Satan Clubs gain popularity amid legal victories

The news spread around local social media Tuesday, with some parents expressing concern.

” … can’t talk about god in school or pray but can have a satan in the school the worlds coming to an end y’all better get ready,” wrote Facebook user Barryand Ashley Busby.

Others were more supportive.

“I say this as an open-minded Christian, if they can have Bible Studies at the school, then they should be able to do this as well,” wrote Bee Givens.

Will the Memphis area get snow this year? Not likely, NWS says

Parents of students at Chimneyrock Elementary were alarmed and concerned after the flyer announcing the new after school club began making the rounds.

“If we don’t want God in schools, we definitely don’t need or want Satan in schools,” said Felicia Dennis. “Me and my whole family, we attend church. So this was a big shocker for me for this to be coming to my daughter’s school.”

It’s the organization’s fifth active club in the nation. Campaign Director June Everett said it started after she was contacted by MSCS parents expressing interest.

“Members of the satanic temple are not theistic satanists, so they don’t believe in an actual real satan,” Everett said.

She explained that the club can only operate in schools that have other religious clubs, so like-minded people can come together. She said they don’t actually discuss Satanic teachings, but they do activities that are inspired by Satanic beliefs.

“We can take Satan and view Satan as this creature and this character however we want. We don’t have to believe Satan as this evil deity. We can view Satan as we wish and that’s exactly what we do,” Everett said.

But parents like Dennis said they still aren’t comfortable.

“I feel that if possible, maybe a community center or something like that would be more fit. I don’t feel it should be in the scene where they learn. If they don’t want prayer in the schools, they shouldn’t have this satan club,” she said.

WREG reached out to Memphis-Shelby County Schools for a statement regarding the group’s attendance at Chimneyrock Elementary.

A district spokesperson said MSCS facilities are rented out to several organizations.

For instance, the Good News Club meets at Chimneyrock Elementary weekly, the spokesperson said. That group’s website describes the program as “a clear presentation of the Gospel and an opportunity for children to trust Jesus as savior.”

The following message was sent to parents by MSCS:

“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.“

Some parents we spoke with discussed the possibility of removing their children from the district because of this.

Meanwhile, as the school mentioned, the club is protected under First Amendment rights, so they must allow it to move forward.

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