A new religious release program for public school students is entering Marysville schools, and this one emphasizes Satanic studies.

The Hellion Academy of Independent Learning (HAIL) program will begin in Marysville’s Edgewood Elementary School in December as a part of the district’s permitted release time for religious instruction. The program is put on by the Satanic Temple, the only Satanic religious organization recognized as a church by the IRS and Federal Court System.

June Everett, the campaign director for the After School Satan Club and an ordained minister for the Satanic Temple, said a parent reached out to the Satanic Temple asking for a program at Edgewood. Everett said the Satanic Temple’s programs for students are only implemented when parents seek them out, and only in districts where other release programs are alre