In Eastern Kentucky high on a hill sits a significant historical building. It was purchased by a pagan, much to the protests of the community. Aiken Hall was built in 1917 by the Methodist Church as a private school for girls. As the tarot reader and owner of a metaphysical shop, I have always been known as a witch. Then the politics here changed and I came under attack.

In 2006 I created Aiken Hall Education Academy, A Private High School for pagans who were discriminated against in the public school system.. We are currently in the process of getting our 501 (3) (c) papers from the IRS.

August 2006 came the first students, 2 students living and studying at Aiken Hall and 4 others attending classes from the surrounding areas. Most students are attending tuition free because of their economic situations. Many had been discriminated against because of their non Christian beliefs or gender identity issues. They were shunned, harassed, and not accepted. Most came with very low self esteem because of the abuse they suffered. The city’s Mayor and friends continued their attacks in various ways. Many times just verbal, this could be ignored. Sometimes with ordinances which a few hundred dollars to a lawyer and they backed off again.

They have done everything possible to make us leave the community. They didn’t want such people in their community, let alone owning the most historic building there. But we have endured and kept the school alive and growing, meanwhile continuing repairs on the 102 room building.

In 2006 the city attacked again with a nuisance ordinance. Without giving us any type of hearing, they gave Aiken Hall Owners a notice of fines. The plan was to build the fines so high then take the property for fines, and then they would be rid of the “witches and devil worshippers”, claim the historic property for the city. We recovered from this, or at least we thought so.

Now 2008, they have attacked again which has led caused us to file suit for discrimination under 42 USC 1983 against the city as well as for denial of due process. We were entitled to a hearing on the ordinances and never were given one. Guess they don’t give witches hearings, just a public burning at the stake.

Our dilemma, Aiken Hall’s is in desperate need of a new roof and the directors and staff have exhausted most of their funds with keeping the school running and on legal battles. Since most of the students can’t afford tuition, or very small amounts, there is simply not enough to repair the roof and continue. We need your help. Without the roof repairs, the building and school will cease to exist. We have no other choice in this matter, New Roof or close. We don’t qualify for grants or aide from the federal government like most, we have been denied loans because of the actions against us by the city, so we are appealing to the pagan community, any amount no matter how small will help. We must raise $64,000.00 to replace the roof.

Please consider becoming a sponsor of Aiken Hall Education Academy by visiting our site. All sponsors can be listed on our site with their permission. Any sponsors owning pagan businesses, we will build links to help them grow also. The site http://aikenhall.com/donate.aspx , Please Help Us stay alive and fight. We thank you in advance no matter. A win here is a win everywhere, Once our case is decided, it can be used as a model for future pagans and religious freedom. If you cant help with donations then remember us and send us good energy and letters of support and encouragement. Post our story on other websites, tell other pagans, write blogs to help us pass the word, any way you can. It is vital that we get a new roof and win the lawsuit. Be assured, when construction does start on the roof, the sign will read “Restoration by Witch’s from all over America. More information on the lawsuit can be obtained at www.aikenhall.com