The Waterville Central School District Board of Education planned to formally adopt a Bible Study Club for Junior-Senior High students this week.
According to WCS Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Spring, students showed interest in establishing Bible Study Club in January.
She said there was renewed interest to start the club in September.
Spring gave approval for students to have a student-run Bible Club this fall.
The students began meeting weekly in the library.
Student Elijah Nelson, now an eighth grader, submitted a proposal Jan. 4 for a Bible Study Club, according to First Liberty Institute of Plano, Texas.
Nelson explained in his proposal that the club would study the Bible and submitted student signatures in favor of the club with his proposal.
However, in January and then again in October, according to First Liberty, Nelson was told such a club could not be formally recognized because it would unconstitutionally endorse religion.
Assistant Principal Lindsay Owens, who left the District a couple of weeks ago for a principalship in Frankfort-Schuyler School District, told Nelson he had two options, according to First Liberty.
Students could meet informally over lunch with a staff member supervising them, or the group could petition to use the school as an outside organization.
Spring said inaccurate information was given to the student.
She said the Board of Education, which met Tuesday, Dec. 10, planned to formally vote to establish the club.
“At Waterville Central School District, we are committed to fostering an environment that values equity, diversity, and meaningful student engagement,’’ Spring said.
“We strive to provide all students with opportunities to learn, grow, and connect through various activities, ...
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