Despite opposition from faith and education leaders in Tennessee, an After School Satan Club will proceed as planned at Chimneyrock Elementary School in Cordova. The club, associated with the Satanic Temple, is a federally recognized non-profit organization and national after-school program with local chapters across the US. It aims to offer activities that emphasize a scientific, rationalistic, non-superstitious worldview. The club has faced criticism from around 40 members of the faith community, who gathered at Memphis-Shelby County Schools to express their concerns and question the intentions of The Satanic Temple. They emphasized that students would need signed permission slips to attend and expressed support for religious organizations that partner with the district. Board chair and local pastor Althea Greene made it clear that the faith-based community opposes the presence of Satan in the district, stating, "Satan has no room in this district."

Interim Superintendent Toni Williams acknowledged the opposition to the After School Satan Club but stated that, as a superintendent, she is bound to uphold board policy, state laws, and the Constitution. Williams mentioned that some have demanded a ban on all faith-based organizations from schools, but she stressed that her duty is to follow the established rules. However, Williams did express her personal disapproval of the club's beliefs.

The program, which is scheduled to begin on January 10, 2024, was initiated after parents expressed interest. Although the club will take place in the school's library, it is not sponsored by the school district. Attendance is optional for students, and the club will offer various activities such as science projects, community service, puzzles, and nature activities.

School board member Mauricio Calvo acknowledged that the district is in an uncomfortable position, as they are required to allow the Satanic Temple program inside the school due to their policy of permitting non-profit entities to use school property after-hours. Calvo vowed to explore possible options to mitigate the situation and ensure the protection of all children. Meanwhile, school board chair Althea Greene, who is also a pastor, strongly opposed the Satanic Temple's presence in the district, stating unequivocally that Satan has no place there.

Rev. Bill Adkins expressed his concerns about the program and urged for a solution to be found to prevent the Satanic Temple from having access to children. In response to the criticism, June Everett, the campaign director for the After School Satan Club, clarified that members of the Satanic Temple are not theistic Satanists and do not believe in an actual Satan. She emphasized that Satan is viewed metaphorically as a literary figure representing the rejection of tyranny and the championing of the human mind and spirit.

It is worth noting that last month, the Saucon Valley School District in Pennsylvania had to pay $200,000 in attorney's fees to The Satanic Temple following a lawsuit, allowing students to attend the after-school program on school grounds. The Satanic Temple aims to promote a scientific, rationalistic, and non-superstitious worldview through its activities.