`Stealth evangelists' spark controversy in New York, New Jersey. (People & Events).

Education officials in New York City and New Jersey have warned local public schools to be wary of an alleged anti-violence program that is really a cover for Christian fundamentalist proselytization efforts.

"Rage Against Destruction," a St. Louis-based program linked to evangelist Joyce Meyer, is accused of offering schools a free assembly on avoiding violence that turns into a hard-sell for fundamentalism.

Attorneys with the New York City public education system wrote to the Meyer group in October and told staffers there that they will no longer be permitted to preach to students on campus.

"You may not proselytize during the assemblies, nor may you in any way use the assemblies as a vehicle to induce students to attend ... other religious concerts or meetings," attorney Chad Vignola wrote to the group.

Three high schools in New York City have already hosted the program, which features hip-hop music and testimonials from group leaders. Postcards handed out during the event invited students to a separate event off campus that featured speakers stressing the need for conversion to fundamentalist Christianity. Students were told that the off-campus event would feature a free deejay, rap music and drawings for free DVD players.

The Anti-Defamation League has criticized the group for trying to convert students. "New York City is setting a precedent for school districts across the country who might be confronted with the stealth tactics used by this group," Joel Levy, an ADL official in New York, told the New York Daily News.

Education officials in New Jersey are also wary of the activities of Rage Against Destruction. ADL officials there, working in concert with the New Jersey Coalition for Free Exercise of Religion, warned area schools that the group seeks to convert students.

"It's the subterfuge that is the key issue here," said Charles Goldstein, ADL regional director. "That is obnoxious and inappropriate."

The New Jersey Department of Education subsequently advised schools to be cautious of Rage Against Destruction. Deputy Education Commissioner Dwight R. Pfennig wrote to county superintendents, telling them that the "message of the group, while including anti-violence, may cross into areas that are sectarian in nature."

Meyer, whose ministry provides Rage Against Destruction with most of its budget, recently joined forces with the Christian Coalition to cosponsor the group's annual "Road to Victory" conference in Washington, D.C.