Satanic coloring books were submitted to the Orange County, Florida, school board for distribution to students. The controversial books, which were provided by the Satanic Temple, include coloring pages and activities for young children. Although the school district currently allows the distribution of religious materials, the board may reconsider their policy.
The Satanic Children’s Big Book of Activities features nine pages of games and coloring activities. The book challenges children to “dispel fear and ignorance,” explore “Satanic literature and philosophy,” draw an inverted pentagram, and follow a maze “to find the fabled Necronomicon.”
The Satanic Temple has been vocal in their criticism of the school board’s current policies. In January, the school allowed the World Changers of Florida to distribute Christian Bibles to students. Temple Spokesman Lucien Greaves believes the students should have equal access to the Satanic coloring book.
“… if our materials are consistent with their standards, they can’t simply deny our literature because of its religious viewpoint.”
Greaves said Satanic Temple representatives are available to discuss questions and concerns. However, he fully supports the initiative. In a press release, the organization outlines their decision to design and distribute the Satanic coloring books.
“In response to a recent School Board decision in Orange County, Florida that allows for the dissemination of religious materials in public schools, The Satanic Temple… will follow suit by providing Satanic materials to students… Among the materials to be distributed are pamphlets related to the Temple’s tenets, philosophy and practice of Satanism, as well as information about the legal right to practice Satanism in school.”
School Board Chairman Bill Sublette said he will meet with the other board members to review the Satanic coloring book prior to distribution. He underlined the fact that the schools “definitely will not be distributing those materials” without further review. Orange County Public Schools counsel Woody Rodriguez said he and his legal staff will also review the book prior to distribution.
Although school board officials have discussed changing their policies concerning religions materials , they have not formally voted on the topic. It is unclear whether the controversial coloring books will prompt officials to readdress the issue.
As reported by Detroit Free Press , the school board previously approved materials provided by an atheist group. However, the Satanic coloring book is the first item suggested by the Satanic Temple.
[Image via The Satanic Temple]
