Minnesota —

The Waseca Public Schools system in Minnesota will ensure that future district choir performances will not include religious content, thanks to FFRF fighting for a secular family of the community.

A concerned parent reported that the Waseca Junior/Senior High School’s Feb. 24 Select Choir concert included mostly overtly religious songs. A program from the event confirmed the presence of religious content, such as the Christian songs “Even When He Is Silent,” “Ain’t No Grave Can Hold My Body Down,” “In Paradisum” and “Praise His Holy Name!” The parent stated that while “In Paradisum” was sung in Latin, it included an English spoken word section “highlighting the importance of faith with a religious context.” FFRF was also informed that Select Choir students were required to attend and perform in the concert for a grade, and that this was “not the first time this director has had religious themes sprinkled into her programs.”

FFRF contacted William L. Hoversten, the district’s legal representative, to ensure compliance with the Constitution.

“Requiring students to perform Christian worship music for a grade violates students’ First Amendment right to be free from religious coercion,” FFRF Staff Attorney Sammi Lawrence wrote. “Additionally, the selection of songs highlighting a single religion — Christianity — signals school favoritism toward religion over nonreligion, and Christianity over all other faiths.”

Thankfully, the district decided to change its tune.

“The information you have provided has been forwarded to the Waseca Public Schools administration, and they have responded that they will look into the circumstances and the concerns raised by the parent who has contacted you,” Hoversten wrote. “This will include working with the high school team to review the concert selections and related student requirements and making appropriate adjustments.”

The post The Waseca Public School system in Minnesota will ensure that future district choir performances will not include religious content. (June/July 2026) appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.