BIDDEFORD — Recent presentations at Biddeford Middle School and Biddeford High School promoted religion, violating the U.S. Constitution’s freedom of religion clause, claims the American Cilvil Liberties Union of Maine.

In addition, multi-media programs led by Pastor Debbie Phillips of Life Choices Ministry on Sept. 24 at BMS and the following day at BHS, included graphic images of the Columbine High School massacre and messages of abstinence-only sexual education.

The civil liberties group sent a letter to BMS Principal Charles Lomonte and BHS Principal Jeremie Sirois after receiving complaints about the Life Choices assemblies by a parent of a Biddeford student. In the letter from ACLU Legal Director Zackary Heiden, he asked the principals to apologize to students and faculty “for violating their First Amendment rights” and refrain from inviting Life Choices or similar groups to the schools in the future.

When he was contacted about allowing the Life Choice Ministry program at the Biddeford schools, Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray said, it was promoted to him as dealing with the tragic high school massacre at Columbine and teaching tolerance, respect, self-worth and the dangers of bullying ”“ all messages that the school department supports.

In a prepared statement, Ray wrote, “After attending the programs, it is clear that there were religious references in the program, and I can understand that such references could have offended some students or others. ”¦ I am sorry if anyone was offended. This was clearly not our intent. The School Department does not support or endorse any religious message.”

In a telephone interview on Friday, Phillips responded that her message was not religious, it was about tolerance. She said there had been complaints about the program in Texas, but nothing came of them.

During the Biddeford programs, similar to hundreds that Phillips has given around the country, she said she told students that “everyone has the right to believe what they want. ”¦ I don’t go to school and openly proselytize to kids.”

In her presentations, Phillips said she also relates her niece’s experience at Columbine. Phillips said her niece, Rachel Scott, was killed during the high school massacre after affirming her belief in God. Phillips characterized Scott’s killing as “martyrdom.”

In his letter to the principals, Heiden includes comments by Phillips on a local radio show where she says, “You can’t tell the story of martyrdom without heaven showing up.”

Phillips was interviewed for the radio by Derek Volk, the president of Biddeford-based Volk Packaging Corp.

In addition, said Heiden, the school presentations included multiple references to “Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior,” “God,” and “being killed for Christ.”

“Events such as the Life Choice Ministry assembly pose special constitutional concerns vis-à-vis governmental promotion of religion,” Heiden stated. “The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits the government (including public schools) from promoting religious beliefs or exercise.”

While both Phillips and students have a constitutional right to their own beliefs, “you (the principals) have an obligation to ensure that your school is not used as a pulpit from which to minister to a captive audience of students and employees.”

According to the Volk radio website, Phillips also gave presentations at Massabesic High School, Bonny Eagle High School, Catherine McAuley High School, the Long Creek Youth Development Center, as well as several churches in southern Maine and Volk Packaging’s Biddeford headquarters.

The principals have until Nov. 4 to respond to the ACLU request or the organization will “be forced to pursue other avenues,” according to the letter.

— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 324 or [email protected].