Salem Witch Museum to give Batavia High students free tickets after pastor’s objection
Reported byFriendly Atheist
AI-assisted summary
The Salem Witch Museum in Massachusetts says it will give free admission to every Batavia High School senior who visits during a class trip to the Boston area next summer. The offer follows a school board meeting in Batavia, New York, where members considered the trip. Students planned to raise money to reduce its cost, and a draft plan included a stop at the museum.
Board member Dan Schmidt, who is also lead pastor at a local church, cast the only vote against the trip. According to the article, he said some Christian students might not want to go and could feel left out. He later told a reporter he did not know the museum's history, but he questioned whether it was a healthy choice for students. The rest of the board approved the trip. The article says the museum covers the 1600s witch trials and the dangers of scapegoating, and it quotes a museum official calling it educational.
A parent of a student involved in planning started a fundraiser. The article says it brought in enough to cover museum tickets and also reduce the overall trip cost. With tickets now free, that money can help students who may struggle to pay. The article notes the museum plans to close early next year for renovations. Schmidt did not respond to the author's request for comment.
Why it matters
The story shows how one board member's religious objection to a field trip stirred public reaction and led to outside help for students. It also highlights how boards weigh individual beliefs, class trip approvals, and trip costs for families.
- Board vote
- Religion in schools
- Public comment
Written with AI from the publisher's article and may contain errors. The original reporting is the authoritative source.
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- How should a school board weigh one member's religious concerns against the educational goals of a proposed field trip?
- What information should board members review before voting on a trip destination they are unfamiliar with?
- How can districts keep class trips affordable and welcoming for students from different families and backgrounds?
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