A North Carolina elementary school is facing criticism for hosting a performance by a Christian music group, sparking controversy over the separation of church and state.

Hasty Elementary School in Davidson County recently hosted the 3 Heath Brothers, a Christian boyband, during a school assembly, leading to complaints from some parents and the advocacy group Americans United for Separation of Church and State. The group argues that the performance violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Americans United sent letters last week to Davidson County Schools and the 3 Heath Brothers, condemning the event as an unconstitutional religious assembly. Staff Attorney Ian Smith wrote, “This assembly was a flagrant violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.”

The group demanded assurances that similar religious assemblies would not take place in the future and called for district personnel to receive training on church-state separation.

The controversy arose after the family of a student who attended the concert alerted Americans United, alleging that the performance was explicitly Christian and proselytizing. Jonathan Heath, the group’s manager, disputed these claims, stating that the event was not a religious concert but rather a message focused on positivity and anti-bullying.

The 3 Heath Brothers, known as the “boyband of Christian music,” consist of brothers Nicholas, Christian, and Clayton Heath. According to their website, the group has performed at more than 100 public schools nationwide. Jonathan Heath emphasized that their public school performances differ significantly from their concerts at Christian schools.

“We sing at public schools and Christian schools,” Heath explained. “Our program that we do in public schools is geared differently. It’s not about proselytizing; it’s about positivity and hope.”

Despite this defense, Americans United remains firm in its stance that the performance was religious. Smith stated that his organization had obtained evidence, including pictures, showing that proselytizing materials were distributed to students.

Davidson County Schools Superintendent Greggory Slate defended the school’s decision to host the assembly, citing the district’s practice of organizing anti-bullying events. “As long as the performers do not proselytize, the content is appropriate, and students are safe, then the faith of the group should not impact the assembly,” Slate told The Christian Post.

Heath also expressed frustration over the backlash, describing the assembly as “just a lot of fun” aimed at promoting hope and resilience among students. “Our kids need hope. Our suicide rates are going up, not down,” he said.

Americans United has asked the band to ensure that any future school performances align with constitutional mandates. The organization also stated that the school district acknowledged feeling misled by the group regarding the assembly’s content.