Brevard Schools Consider Controversial Banner Request

T. Chaz Stevens, the founder of what he terms “devil studies,” is urging high schools in Brevard County, Florida, to display banners promoting his idea of demonology. He’s aiming to have Heritage High, Melbourne High, Palm Bay Magnet High, Rockledge High, and Viera High participate.

Stevens, who leads Revolt Boot Camp, is particularly motivated after spotting a Trinity Church flag outside the football stadium at Palm Bay Magnet High School. In an interview, he indicated his desire to see more than just physical banners—he’s looking towards electronic displays, too.

“They have electronic signs, and we’d like to see our messages there. If the school acknowledges the church in that way, it’s only fair we have equal representation,” Stevens expressed.

This isn’t Stevens’ first rodeo. Similar requests made in Broward County led to the removal of church-related banners from public schools. He’s adamant that his push is about equality in religious expression. “If some views are allowed, others should be too,” he stated clearly. The signs he proposes, he believes, fall under the jurisdiction of a “limited public forum.”

His organization promotes “The Ministry of Chaz the Bropostle and His Brotherhood,” which carries the catchy motto, “Satan Loves the First Amendment.” Notably, when posed with the question about whether he supports religious freedom broadly or just his own cause, Stevens noted a sort of paradox: “The First Amendment applies to everyone, or it applies to no one.”

While discussing the prevalent Christian symbols in public spaces, he remarked, “Given the history, it’s mostly been a Christian narrative.” This draws attention to his concern that other faiths, such as Wicca or Druidism, are left out of the conversation when it comes to public representation.

Stevens’ recent projects are listed on his website under the intriguing title “Satan or Silence.” It seems, at least from his perspective, that the conversation around religious symbols in schools is far from settled.

As of now, efforts to reach the Brevard County School District for comment have gone unanswered.