Alpena School Cancels Presentation by Religious Leader on Student Mental Health

The presentation on mental health scheduled by a religious leader at an Alpena Public School in Michigan has been cancelled. Scott Ritsema, the head of Belt of Truth Ministries, was set to give a talk titled “The Media Mind: Reclaiming Your Human Soul from the Digital Dark Age” as part of a series of discussions on student mental health for May. However, due to illness, he cancelled his trip.

Despite concerns raised by some parents and residents in the district about a religious leader delivering a presentation in a public school setting, district officials had assured that the talk would be non-religious and focused on addressing the rising levels of anxiety and depression among students due to increased social media use. David Rabbideau, superintendent of schools, emphasized that the presentation was not religious in nature and was intended to provide support to students. Legal experts also noted that the free presentation, scheduled after school hours and not for credit, did not appear to violate federal laws regarding religious neutrality in public schools. Belt of Truth Ministry’s website describes the organization as a faith-based community led by Ritsema, who started the ministry in 2013 with the goal of guiding others to Jesus.