Florida Activist Advocates for Display of Satanology Banners in Local Schools Under First Amendment Rights

T. Chaz Stevens, the founder of a belief system he refers to as Satanology, has initiated a campaign urging Brevard Public Schools to display banners at five high schools located in Brevard County, Florida.

This Florida activist, who manages REVOLT boot camp, aims to promote the Church of Satanology and Perpetual Soirée at prominent institutions including Heritage High School, Melbourne High School, Palm Bay Magnet High School, Rockledge High School, and Viera High School.

Background of the Movement

Stevens’ request comes after he observed a banner representing Trinity Church displayed at the Palm Bay Magnet High School’s football stadium. During an interview with Fox News, Stevens expressed his intention not only to place banners on fences but also to advertise Satanology through electronic signs at the schools.

“They have an electronic sign and it states: Palm Bay Magnet High School thanks the church. Therefore, we will request the school board to include us as well. This includes banners on the chain link fence and visibility on the electronic billboards,” Stevens stated.

A Precedent Set in Broward County

This isn’t Stevens’ first attempt at advocating for equal representation. He previously raised a similar issue in Broward County, which resulted in the removal of comparable banners from public school properties. “I may not be a lawyer, yet I have engaged in pro se court cases in federal court against Broward County school districts. Although I did not win, my efforts led to a revision of their policy, resulting in a removal of church banners from the fence,” he revealed.

The Banner’s Message

The banner Stevens wishes to display carries the message from the Ministry of Chaz the Bropostle and his Bro-Minions, promoting the motto, “Satan loves the First Amendment.” When questioned about his motivation, he stated that the First Amendment advocates for inclusion, asserting, “It is either all or none; it must apply to everyone or nobody. However, the current situation reflects a selective allowance for some.”

Aiming for Equal Treatment

Stevens emphasizes his desire for a clear separation between church and state. “I do not support any banners on the chain link fence. However, if they choose to display some, then I must be included as well,” he insisted.

The Role of Trinity Church

Currently, Trinity Church of Melbourne utilizes the high school as one of its locations, featuring hours of service on an electronic sign and a banner affixed to the school’s fence. Stevens argues that this display amounts to an advertisement, contending that the presence of such a banner has created what he sees as a limited public forum.

A Broader Activism Agenda

Stevens’ website highlights multiple projects he has engaged in, such as the “Satan or Silence” initiative, campaigns advocating for “In God We Trust” posters, the display of the “10 Commandments” posters, and a movement to eliminate Bibles from all 63 Florida school districts.

Stevens on Religious Representation

When prompted regarding his activism’s focus, Stevens stated that he has not only challenged Christianity but has addressed the majority Christian presence in American history. “A significant majority of Americans identify as Christians,” he pointed out, and added, “The powerful majority voice remains those of Christians.”

Stevens underscored the absence of banners from various other belief systems, elaborating, “These church banners do not represent Islam, Wicca, or Druidry; they solely represent Christianity. If other religions were doing the same, I would challenge them too. The individuals spearheading this initiative are Christians.”

Awaiting a Response from the School District

The Brevard County School District has been contacted regarding this matter but has not yet provided a response. As Stevens continues to advocate for the inclusion of his beliefs, the community watches closely as the situation develops.

A New Era of Discourse

As this debate unfolds, it raises important questions about the representation of diverse belief systems in public spheres. The intersection of religious freedom and public education continues to spark discussions across communities, setting precedents for how schools engage with differing ideologies in the future.