Presentations in a Tennessee school district from a character called “Bible Man” have been banned thanks to a complaint from a virulent anti-religion organization.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) made one of their usual claims that a parent they would not identify contacted them about the voluntary assemblies put on by Horace Turner as “Bible Man.”  The assemblies, which have been going on for 40 years, are not required of any student.

“It is deeply troubling that the district allows these assemblies to take place. It is well settled that public schools may not advance or promote religion,” the letter, which pertained to a presentation at Coalmont Elementary School, stated. “Allowing anyone access to public school students to proselytize, and including the events in the school’s calendar, is illegal district endorsement of the speaker’s religious message, in this case a Christian message.”

The letter when on to say that the children need to be protected from “predators” like Turner.

The school wanted to make it clear that while the “Bible Man” presentations are banned, Turner himself is not banned from being at the schools or working with children.

“I believe the perception was that we’re trying to get rid of him, and that was not the perception we wanted to present,” Dr. Willie Childers stated. “We are trying to make sure that the procedures that we do are legal and constitutional for every citizen.”

The school is looking into starting after-school clubs where students can come and participate in events hosted by Turner.