A group calling itself Voice of the North has appeared online, demanding that religion be brought “back” into our public schools. They claim moral authority while hiding behind anonymity–and they’ve crossed a line our Constitution drew for a reason.

Public schools exist for all children, not just those who share one group’s faith or beliefs. Forcing religion into classrooms violates the First Amendment and undermines the very foundation of religious freedom. True freedom of religion also means freedom from religious imposition. When the state promotes one faith over others, everyone loses. And that’s exactly what they’re doing.

It’s especially troubling that this same group uses their platform to insult children with learning differences, attack LGBTQ students, and push for bathroom policy changes that defy federal law. These are not moral values–they’re acts of exclusion disguised as righteousness.

Faith can be a powerful personal guide, but it has no place dictating public education policy. Teachers should be focused on helping kids learn to think critically, not on carrying out someone’s religious agenda.

Let’s remember: America’s founders weren’t anti-religion–they were pro-liberty. That’s why they built a wall between church and state strong enough to protect both. Alpena should honor that principle, not erode it.

The “Voice of the North” may speak loudly, but they do not speak for the Constitution–or for the inclusive, fair-minded community we actually are. #recalltheschoolboard

Molly Stepanski

Posen