Logan Kennedy | NHPCM

On Friday, Oct. 13th, NHPCM was made aware of an incident early that morning at East Columbus Jr./Sr. High School in which visitors allowed into the school appeared to perform religious activities.

From sources in the school we have talked to, these visitors were believed to have been seen walking the schools halls, interacting with students, and performing religious activities.

In a statement released by Columbus County Schools to NHPCM, the county states:

“On Friday, October 13th, we received notifications about visitors performing or appearing to perform religious activities on the campus of East Columbus Junior/Senior High School during the instructional day.

Regarding religious activities, The Columbus County Board of Education Policy Code: 3515 (Religion in the Schools) states:

“The United States Constitution and North Carolina Constitution protect the right of an individual to subscribe to any religious beliefs or to no religious beliefs at all. It is the board’s policy to comply with federal and state law regarding religion and religious expression in the schools. The board will neither advance nor inhibit any religion or religious belief, viewpoint, expression or practice.”

In reviewing the concerns that were raised, it was determined that the activities that occurred on the date in question violated this policy. We are currently implementing procedures and training to ensure that the current policy regarding religious activity in the schools and its supporting laws are followed fully at all of our schools.”