YMCA Banned from Posting Fliers on Campus

By Vivian P.

A school district in Bakersfield, Calif., banned the YMCA from distributing its fliers to children and posting them campus.

The Bakersfield California reports that the reason why the school district banned the YMCA from posting its fliers is that the school officials were concerned of violating “separation of church and state” because the organization put "Christian principles into practice."

The report says that the controversy began three weeks ago after a parent complained to Panama-Buena Vista Union School District about Salvation Army poster asking for clothing donations because it sounded the organization was promoting Christian values.

Since the poster didn't mention the group's Christian mission, it was accepted. However the school district became sensitive over other possible violations regarding “separation of church and state.” The YMCA’s promotional basketball-camp fliers included “To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build spirit, mind and body for all,” which captured more attention from the school district.

The school district offered to possible choices: either delete the Christian reference or stop distributing the fliers.

The YMCA chose to stop distributing the fliers because they believe it is not right to conceal its Christian-based mission. The YMCA is taking its path more toward as a Christian organization.

The YMCA stopped emphasizing Christianity as much for a while but about four years ago CEO John Bagala encouraged Kern County chapter of the YMCA to return to its Christian roots, how it used to be when he started the organization.

"We're not going to take our fliers and revamp them without the mission statement on it. It's always going to be on there," Bagala said.

Bagala vowed to emphasize Christianity by spelling out the organizatoin’s name - Young Men's Christian Association on every flier.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories