TOPEKA — The American Civil Liberties Union ACLU of Kansas sent a letter to a school district on Monday, claiming that a principal’s actions violated the First Amendment. The letter addressed an incident in which Katie Struebing, principal of East Elementary School in Belleville, Kansas, invited Ben Dreesen from the evangelical group Gideons International to give out Bibles to students during recess on May 7.
Monica Bennett, legal director for the ACLU of Kansas, stated that Struebing allowed Dreesen on school grounds, accompanied him while he distributed Bibles, and involved other school staff. This, Bennett argued, used the principal’s authority to endorse a religious message, which could pressure students into a religious atmosphere. This action also breached the school district’s own policy against using school resources to promote religious viewpoints.
Bennett’s letter aimed to remind the principal and the district about the separation of church and state required by the First Amendment and court decisions. Struebing did not comment, and the district superintendent, Tami Knedler, also did not respond.
This incident is not isolated. In April, the Butler County school district faced criticism after planning to let Gideon missionaries distribute Bibles at Bluestem Elementary School. After receiving backlash, including from Christian parents, the district reversed its decision.
Bennett stressed that public schools should not influence students’ religious beliefs and should respect individuals’ rights to worship or not worship as they choose.
The ACLU of Kansas has advised the school district against allowing missionaries to distribute Bibles on school grounds in the future.