The superintendent of a West Virginia school district is investigating after high school students were forced to attend a religious assembly between classes earlier this month.
Cabell County Schools Superintendent Ryan Saxe said in a statement that he believes some students’ rights were violated.
“It was reported to my staff that some students were required to attend a religious event during the school day,” Saxe said, according to the Associated Press. “At this point in the investigation, it is my belief that some students’ rights have been violated. As the investigation continues, we must follow due process, which takes some time, in addressing any responsible employee while working to ensure a situation like this never occurs again.”
On Feb. 2nd, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes invited Nik Walker Ministries to hold a revival at Huntington High School. A spokesperson for the district said the event was voluntary and there was supposed to be a sign-up sheet to attend. However, two teachers mistakenly brought their entire class.
At the event, students were instructed to close their eyes, raise their hands in prayer and beg Jesus for salvation. They were told to follow the teachings of the Bible or risk going to hell when they died.
According to AP, about 100 students at the high school walked out in protest on Wednesday during an advisory period, chanting, “Separate the church and state” and, “My faith, my choice.”
Even though the district supports students’ right to religious expression, they do not condone “forcing religious expression on those with differing beliefs,” adding it “is not acceptable and is not in alignment with district, state, or federal policy and will not be tolerated by my administration or the Board of Education.”
