Vail, Arizona A decision by the Vail School District to allow The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints LDS to build a seminary on the campus of Cienega High School has sparked significant debate among local residents, some of whom are raising concerns about the separation of church and state.
In a move that has divided the community, the Vail School Board recently voted to approve the construction of an LDS seminary building, which will be located behind the school near the basketball courts and practice fields. The seminary, which will offer religious education to LDS students, is expected to be completed by January 1, 2026. The project, however, has raised questions about the role of religion in public education and the use of taxpayerfunded school properties for religious purposes.
The Details of the Deal
The LDS Church is funding the construction of the seminary building and will lease it to the school district for a period of 10 years, with no property tax money involved in its development or maintenance during that time. According to Darcy Mentone, the districts Director of Communications, this arrangement is a win for the district, as the LDS Church will cover all building costs and maintenance expenses for the first decade.
Mentone clarified that the building will not resemble a traditional church and will be utilized primarily by LDS students for their releasetime seminary classes. These classes are a significant part of the LDS faith, with students typically leaving school for religious education. The new facility, just a short distance from the school, will make it easier for students to attend seminary without having to travel long distances. The building will also be available for use by the community after the initial 10year lease.
Public Backlash: Concerns Over ChurchState Separation
Despite the districts reassurances, the decision has prompted significant backlash from members of the Vail community. Critics argue that the seminarys presence on a public school campus undermines the principle of separation of church and state, which is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.
A petition to stop the construction has garnered hundreds of signatures, with opponents expressing concerns that the arrangement sets a dangerous precedent for religious influence in public schools. Many argue that public schools should remain neutral and that allowing a religious institution to build on school grounds could open the door to other religious groups seeking similar arrangements.
One of the primary concerns voiced by petitioners is that the arrangement could lead to religious pressure on students, particularly those who do not belong to the LDS faith. Critics also pointed out that the decision was made without sufficient public input. Many parents and community members feel that the district has not fully considered the longterm implications of this deal.
Districts Defense: Legal and Practical Considerations
In response to the backlash, the Vail School District has emphasized that the seminary will operate separately from the public school system. Mentone stressed that the educators at the seminary will have no affiliation with the district, and the facility will not be used for schoolsponsored activities. She also pointed out that similar arrangements exist in other districts where religious groups offer afterschool programs for students, which are voluntary and studentdriven.
Furthermore, Mentone reassured residents that the districts decision was carefully considered and studied over a period of 13 years. Legal advisors were consulted to ensure that the arrangement complies with the law, including constitutional requirements for the separation of church and state. The LDS Churchs contribution to building and maintaining the facility was framed as a benefit to the district, as it alleviates financial burdens.
Community Voices: A Divided Opinion
The community remains divided on the issue. Supporters of the seminary argue that it provides an important service to LDS students, many of whom currently travel long distances to attend seminary classes. These supporters also point out that the building will not only serve as a religious education center but will also be available for use by other groups in the future, potentially benefiting the entire community.
On the other hand, critics warn that this is just the beginning of a slippery slope. If one religious group is granted such privileges, others could follow suit, leading to further entanglement of religion and public education. This, they argue, would erode the principle of religious neutrality in public schools and create an environment where nonLDS students might feel excluded or pressured.
Looking Ahead
As the construction of the LDS seminary progresses, it remains to be seen whether the Vail School District will revisit its decision in light of the ongoing public debate. The district has stated that it will continue to engage with the community and address any concerns raised by residents. With the building set to open in 2026, this issue is likely to remain a topic of discussion in the Vail community for some time.
For now, the debate continues, with strong opinions on both sides, as the community grapples with the balance between religious freedom and the need for a secular, inclusive educational environment.