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Group with character development message raises concerns

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A group that caught the attention of the American Civil Liberties Union has put on character development assemblies in Topeka-area middle and high schools.

Real Encounter Outreach is a self-described “evangelistic outreach” group known for its high-energy stunt BMX performances.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that its president and founder, Brad Bennett, said the group knows there’s a line it can’t cross when visiting public schools. It reserves its evangelical performances for non-school events.

A conglomeration of Baptist churches paid for the school and non-school Topeka appearances this month.

ACLU attorney Doug Bonney reached out to the four districts Real Encounter visited to ensure the group’s message wouldn’t be religious. Associate Topeka High School principal Rob Hayes says the group delivered on its promise of not “offending anyone’s faith.”

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