Florida High School Halts Witchcraft Presentations Following Legal Challenge

September 24, 2025 - WINTER GARDEN, FL – West Orange High School in Winter Garden, Florida, has discontinued its weekly "Witchy Wednesday" video series after receiving a demand letter from Liberty Counsel, a legal advocacy organization. The series, produced by students and aired during mid-week morning announcements, featured segments on spells, magic, moon worship, and other witchcraft rituals. The abrupt end to the program highlights ongoing debates about religious instruction and the separation of church and state in public schools.

Background of "Witchy Wednesday"

"Witchy Wednesday" was part of the school's regular announcement schedule, presenting content that some characterized as "religious instruction" in witchcraft practices. The series included explanations of spells, rituals, and elements of moon worship. While the videos were student-produced, their broadcast to the entire student body raised concerns among parents, students, and outside organizations about the appropriateness of such content in a public school setting.

Liberty Counsel's Demand and Legal Arguments

Liberty Counsel intervened after learning of the series, cautioning Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) that making the instruction mandatory could conflict with the religious beliefs of Christian students. The organization referenced the U.S. Supreme Court precedent in Mahmoud v. Taylor, which affirms that parents have the right to opt their children out of instructional content that undermines their religious beliefs. Liberty Counsel argued that the school was required to provide opt-out options for students and parents who objected to the series.

School District's Response

In response to the legal challenge, OCPS acknowledged that the inclusion of certain speech in the school's morning announcements could potentially violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The district emphasized its commitment to ensuring that no student-regardless of religious or non-religious background-felt excluded or marginalized within the school community. As a result, OCPS determined that it could not constitutionally allow the "Witchy Wednesday" segments to continue.

"As such, we cannot constitutionally allow such a segment to continue to take place in the future," wrote OCPS in its official response.

Community Reaction and Statements

Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, praised OCPS for its decision. "We commend Orange County Public Schools for taking action to discontinue the 'Witchy Wednesday' video segments. Witchcraft and teaching students how to cast occultic spells have no place in government schools," Staver stated.

The decision has sparked conversation among students, parents, and educators about the boundaries of religious expression and instruction in public education. While some expressed disappointment over the cancellation, others felt relief, citing concerns about religious neutrality and the rights of students to not participate in content that conflicts with their beliefs.

Legal and Educational Implications

This case underscores the importance of balancing freedom of expression with constitutional requirements in public schools. The Establishment Clause prohibits public institutions from endorsing or promoting religious instruction, and recent legal precedents continue to affirm the rights of parents and students to abstain from participating in activities that undermine their religious convictions. Going forward, schools will likely exercise greater caution when considering the inclusion of religious or spiritual content in official programming.

Conclusion

The discontinuation of "Witchy Wednesday" at West Orange High School serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by public schools in respecting diverse religious beliefs while adhering to constitutional mandates. As debates over religious instruction in education continue, school districts must navigate these complex issues with sensitivity and a commitment to protecting the rights of all students.