Commentary by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS

A group of faith-filled parents are refusing to back down to school administrators who are trying to stop them from hosting a popular “Jesus Lunch” program which takes place at a nearby park and attracts hundreds of students every week.

The Cap Times is reporting on the controversy which is pitting Christian parents against school administrators at Middleton High School in Middleton, Wisconsin.

The problem began two years ago when a group of parents began to host the “Jesus Lunch” program at Fireman’s Park, which is adjacent to the school. The program involves parents who serve students a free home-cooked meal and host discussions about the Christian faith.

“The school district has asked the parents several times to stop their weekly gatherings, which have attracted as many as 400 students, citing the lunches violate school policy,” the Cap Times reports. “Fireman’s Park is owned by the city so it’s considered a public space, but the district has a 16 year agreement with the city to lease the property and its rules apply there during the school day.”

The moms aren’t buying it. “Fireman’s Park — a public park owned by the City of Middleton — remains accessible to everyone in the public for the purposes of assembly and free speech,” they wrote in a recent statement. “By law, the lease agreement between the city and the School District of Middleton does not privatize the park. The City of Middleton has sent us a letter this week and acknowledged our rental agreement of the pavilion at Fireman’s Park.”

But the school insists that the program is bad for students.

According to Fox News’ Todd Starnes, school principal Stephen Plank went so far as to accuse the moms of “luring students” to the park with promises of free food in exchange for a Christian message.

Fireman’s Park

“Many students have conveyed to us their concern about a group offering free food to incentivize participation in a religious event on campus,” Plank told News8000.com.

“The result of which has a divisive impact on our learning community.”

He even suggested that some students loathe the program so much they become hysterical.

“There are some students that when they know this day is coming, they will leave school early,” Plank said. “We have some students that staff will find sitting in the hallway crying.”

Phillip Stamman, an attorney representing the moms called the school’s behavior “disgraceful.”

“These mothers devote hours each week to serving the students with free meals and a brief message about Jesus,” Stamman told Fox. “They should not be bullied or harassed — but praised.”

His clients have been repeatedly threatened by school officials, he said, adding that the moms are standing firm.

“These women will not be intimidated,” he told me. “They are wholeheartedly committed to serving the students a free meal while sharing a Christian message.”

Meanwhile, a “petition war” has broken out over the controversy with 462 people signing a petition entitled, “Tell Jesus Lunch to Follow School Regulations.”

A counter petition of supporters of the lunch program, entitled “Allow Jesus Lunch to Continue at Fireman’s Park,” has 1,426 signers.

Parker Sigmon, a Middleton junior who says believing in God has helped him through tough times, told the Cap Times that he supports Jesus Lunch.

“The first five minutes or so the moms discuss things about faith and give you something to think about for the day. I see them giving students love, guidance and support and it brings light into students’ lives who may need to hear positive messages,” he said.

In an effort to stifle the rapidly growing controversy, Superintendent Donald P. Johnson of the Middleton Cross Plains Area School District (MCPASD) sent an email to parents, students and community members asking for calm.

“To be clear, MCPASD is not interested in litigation, and is committed to working collaboratively to find a solution that meets the needs of all parties. We are interested in thoughtful and respectful dialogue. We do not intend to interfere with the Jesus Lunch, and we will continue to reach out to organizers to find an amicable resolution in the near future in the best interests of all of our students.”

For now, the standoff continues and the moms are planning to host another lunch this week.

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