Massachusetts school officials are facing a legal backlash over a proposed policy that would prohibit religious groups, such as the House of Promise Church, from renting public school facilities. The policy, known as Policy 3204, has drawn criticism for allegedly violating the First Amendment rights of religious organizations. The proposal, which was included in Salem Public Schools’ meeting minutes, seeks to exclude religious groups from leasing space in public schools, citing concerns about aligning with the district’s values.
The controversy intensified as the Massachusetts Liberty Legal Center (MLLC) sent a letter to the Salem School Committee, demanding that the policy be halted. In the letter, MLLC’s counsel, Sam Whiting, accused the committee of discrimination against religious organizations and threatened legal action if the policy is implemented. The House of Promise Church, which has used the Collins Middle School auditorium for Sunday worship services for years, is at the forefront of this legal challenge. The church maintains that it has never faced complaints about its use of the space and that other secular groups have continued to rent facilities without issue.
Members of the Salem School Committee reportedly voted to advance the policy on June 2, with a final vote expected on June 17. Superintendent Stephen Zrike expressed concerns that the policy, if passed, would immediately bar the House of Promise Church from using school facilities. Whiting criticized the policy as a blatant violation of constitutional rights, drawing parallels to Salem’s infamous witch trials in the 1600s. Meanwhile, Pastor Richard Hyatt of the House of Promise Church stated he is deeply troubled by the proposed exclusion of religious organizations, emphasizing that the policy targets religious identity rather than behavior or impact.
The legal battle has drawn widespread attention, with Fox News Digital reporting on the potential implications of the policy. As the Salem School Committee prepares for its final vote, the outcome could set a significant precedent for the rights of religious organizations in public spaces. The House of Promise Church has vowed to pursue all legal avenues to defend its rights under the First Amendment and Massachusetts law.