Joplin suspends middle-school Bible study

JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) - The Joplin school district has suspended a middle school Bible study that provided doughnuts to those who participated.

The district announced the action after a complaint from the American Humanist Association, which alleged school employees and clergy used the doughnuts to attract students to the Bible study.

The Springfield News-Leader reports (https://sgfnow.co/2jeEjer ) the district said Monday the Bible study did not comply with a district policy that permits student-led initiatives only for students in grades 9-12. The district’s statement says the Bible study is suspended “as it is currently organized.”

David Niose, legal director of the association, said the Bible study was adult-led and unconstitutional. But he said the group is glad the school won’t be promoting Christianity - or any religion - in a public school setting.

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Information from: Springfield News-Leader, https://www.news-leader.com