An umbrella group that advocates for the First Amendment’s separation of church and state is urging the Peoria Unified School District to stop the promotion of religion at board meetings.
At least two board members have been quoting Bible verses while making general comments.
A letter to the Peoria school board sent by the Freedom From Religion Foundation warns that imposing religion at meetings could turn into a big legal expense for the district.
The group writes that board member Rebecca Hill recently read a gospel verse warning against leading children into sin, which also suggests killing non-Christians.
“It would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck and be drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:6,” said Hill during a May board meeting.
The letter says board member Heather Rooks also recites bible verses at Peoria meetings.
A district spokesperson said the board’s lawyer has advised members to not quote scripture.
