ICC Note: Parents of students at a Wisconsin high school who lead a weekly event called “Jesus Lunch” found themselves in the middle of controversy last month as they received complaints from school officials. As part of the weekly gathering, parents would provide students with a free meal and deliver a brief Christian message. Following the initial complaints, the school district has stated that it will be ending the lease of the park where the gatherings are held in order to settle the matter.

By Heather Clark

05/05/2016 United States (Christian News Network) – Organizers of what has been dubbed the weekly “Jesus Lunch” at a park adjacent to a Wisconsin high school are optimistic after the school district announced that it decided to end its lease of the land to settle controversy over the matter.

As previously reported, the “Jesus Lunch” began in 2014 as the parents of several students at Middleton High School decided to provide a free lunch in Fireman’s Park, which is adjacent to the school grounds. Students discuss a Bible topic during the lunch and attendance is voluntary.

According to reports, the weekly event began with 40 students attending and now has grown to 400 two years later.

But last month, Principal Steve Plank and District Administrator Don Johnson sent a letter to parents stating that the lunch violates district policies, as it is led by adults who also do not check into the school as guests. They told reporters that the rules are applicable because the city leased the park to the district years ago.

“The parents contend that it is their First Amendment right to provide free food and hold a religiously oriented event on this property during school hours,” the letter stated. “The district believes that we have jurisdiction of this leased property, which is part of our campus.”

But the parents asserted that the park is public property and is consequently not subject to district requirements.

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