A North Carolina public elementary school has sparked controversy after hosting a performance by the 3 Heath Brothers, a Christian music group dubbed the “boyband of Christian music.”

The event, held during a school assembly, has drawn criticism from some parents and advocacy groups who argue it violates the separation of church and state.

Others defend the performance, citing the group’s history of secular presentations in public schools. This incident has reignited debates about the role of religious expression in public education.

The 3 Heath Brothers, consisting of brothers Nicholas, Christian, and Clayton Heath, performed at a public elementary school in a North Carolina school district.

According to their website, the group has performed at over 100 public schools across the United States, reaching tens of thousands of students with messages centered on anti-bullying, perseverance, and positive values.

Their performances are often tailored to avoid overt religious content in public school settings, focusing instead on motivational themes.

However, some parents raised concerns after the event, alleging that the group’s Christian affiliation and potential inclusion of religious undertones in their performance crossed constitutional boundaries.

One family contacted Americans United for Separation of Church and State, a nonprofit advocating for religious freedom and the separation of church and state.

The organization was alerted to the performance and took action, citing concerns about the event’s compliance with First Amendment principles.

On Monday, Alex J. Smith, a representative from Americans United, commented to The Christian Post via email, stating that the organization learned of the event through the family’s outreach.

Smith emphasized that public schools must remain neutral on matters of religion to protect students’ and families’ religious freedom.

The group’s history of performing in public schools prompted Americans United to send a letter to the 3 Heath Brothers’ manager, urging the band to ensure that future school presentations adhere to constitutional guidelines.

The letter specifically called for the group to avoid any content that could be interpreted as proselytizing or promoting religious beliefs in public school settings.

Americans United argued that even subtle religious messaging could infringe on the rights of students and families who hold diverse or no religious beliefs.