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Faith leaders and residents urge Salem School Committee to drop proposed ban on religious groups renting school buildings
Summary
Residents, pastors and youth told the Salem School Committee on June 17 that a proposed policy change to bar religious groups from renting Salem Public School facilities would exclude community partners who provide services to students and families.
Residents, pastors and youth told the Salem School Committee on June 17 that a proposed policy change to bar religious groups from renting Salem Public School facilities would exclude community partners who provide services to students and families.
Why it matters: Several speakers argued that faith-based organizations operate neighborhood programs—youth groups, recovery support and mentoring—that supplement school services and serve families who otherwise lack options. Some speakers raised constitutional concerns and urged the committee to adopt nondiscrimination language rather than an outright ban.
What speakers said: Anais Acevedo, a Salem resident and leader at House of Promise…
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