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A town in Massachusetts is under scrutiny following a controversial proposal by its school committee aimed at prohibiting religious organizations and churches from renting public school facilities. This move has sparked a potential legal challenge.
According to a letter from the Massachusetts Liberty Legal Center directed at the Salem School Committee members, the proposed Policy 3204 appears to discriminate against the House of Promise Church and other religious entities. The policy specifically aims to prohibit religious institutions from leasing or renting space within Salem Public Schools.
The minutes from the Salem School Committee’s May 19, 2025 meeting indicate that the policy reads, “Leases and rentals not being granted to religious organizations was added to the policy to address concerns that there may be religious organizations with values that do not align with the district’s values.” This rationale has raised significant concerns about the implications for religious freedom.
Sam Whiting, counsel for the Massachusetts Liberty Legal Center, emphasized the discrimination against the House of Promise Church in a letter dated June 9. Whiting urged the committee to reconsider its actions, stating, “I write on behalf of my client, House of Promise Church, demanding that you immediately cease any effort to discriminate against it or any other religious organization based on their religious beliefs and viewpoints.”
The letter further asserts that the committee’s proposal violates the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Whiting warned that should the committee advance this policy, immediate legal action would be pursued to safeguard the rights of the church.
The House of Promise Church has utilized space in Collins Middle School for Sunday services for several years. Whiting’s letter highlights that the church has followed proper procedures using the online public reservation portal, with no historical complaints regarding its usage of the facility. Moreover, various secular organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club and daycares, continue to rent space from the school system.
On June 2, members of the Salem School Committee reportedly voted in favor of moving forward with the proposed policy. A final vote is anticipated during an upcoming session, raising alarm among local religious groups and advocates for the First Amendment.
In a conversation between Pastor Richard Hyatt of the House of Promise Church and Superintendent Stephen Zrike, it was indicated that if the policy is approved, the church would be barred from using school facilities and all current reservations could be canceled. This has heightened fears about religious exclusion in local public spaces.
In a statement provided to Fox News Digital, Whiting criticized the Salem School Committee for what he views as a blatant infringement upon constitutional rights. He drew a historical parallel, referencing Salem’s infamous witch trials in the 1600s.
Whiting stated, “We are astounded by Salem’s blatant violation of the First Amendment, which goes against decades of established legal precedent. Apparently, someone needed to inform Salem that our Constitution doesn’t permit anti-Christian witch hunts. We trust that our letter will prompt the committee to reject this discriminatory policy.”
The sentiment of concern is echoed by Pastor Hyatt, who shared his distress regarding the school committee’s proposed policy to exclude religious organizations from renting facilities. “To be clear, the only religious organizations currently using these buildings are churches—while over 100 secular institutions maintain access without facing similar exclusion threats. This selective treatment suggests we are not evaluated on our merits but solely on our religious identity and beliefs,” Hyatt remarked.
He further asserted that if the proposal moves forward, the church is prepared to explore all legal avenues to uphold its rights under both the First Amendment and Massachusetts state law.
As the Salem School Committee prepares for the final vote, the situation has attracted attention from media and community members alike. The implications of this proposed policy extend beyond mere facility usage, raising questions about the balance between secular governance and religious freedom.
Fox News Digital has sought comments from both the Salem School Committee and Superintendent Stephen Zrike but has yet to receive a response. This ongoing issue highlights a broader national conversation about how public institutions engage with religious organizations amid evolving societal norms.
With legal ramifications looming, the outcome of the Salem School Committee’s proposal will likely resonate beyond Massachusetts, potentially influencing similar policies in school districts across the country.
