Ohio —
FFRF made sure that a religious illusionist wouldn’t pull another trick on the Pickering Schools System in Pickerington, Ohio, after the evangelist used a school assembly to invite students to his church.
Several concerned parents reported that on Sept. 29, 2025, Harmon Middle School permitted an adult magician and evangelist, David Corn, to perform for students during a school assembly. The assembly took place on school property during the school day, and after the performance, Corn allegedly gave students free tickets to a religious event billed as a “magic show” later that week at a local church. Corn’s website describes his scheme: “Primarily, we enter public schools, hold morality talks, and invite young people to church for a bigger illusion show where I preach the gospel. Hundreds of first-time visitors have come to church, heard the gospel and trusted Christ!”
The parent informed FFRF that their children were excited about going to the “magic show” event and that they had to disappoint their children and try to explain why the show did not align with their families’ views.
“The school’s actions also needlessly marginalized district students, including our complainants’ children, and staff who are nonreligious, as well as those who believe in minority faiths,” FFRF Patrick O’Reiley Legal Fellow Charlotte R. Gude wrote to the district.
FFRF’s work paid off as district Superintendent Charles Smialek confirmed in an email apologizing for the event. “We acknowledge that we violated our own policy by allowing this gentleman to distribute tickets to his religious event at his church,” Smialek wrote. “This was unexpected and should not have occurred. We have reminded our principals in our monthly meeting format to not allow for repeat lapses.”
