Calif. school district accused of improperly teaching about islam

Officials at a public school district in California are being accused of going too far in lessons designed to teach about Islam and possibly lapsing into promotion of that faith.

Controversy arose at the Byron Union School District in January when reports began circulating on conservative websites that the school had required students to memorize passages from the Koran, recite Islamic prayers, adopt Muslim names and dress up as Muslims on a pilgrimage.

Superintendent Peggy Green has defended the exercises, saying they have a legitimate academic intent. Green also disputed some of the charges, saying that students did not pretend to go on a pilgrimage and that some students, for extra credit, had voluntarily agreed to put on a play dressed in Muslim garb and using Milim name.

A press release issued by the school admitted that students wear costumes and engage in role-playing but added, "Students are not required to pray to Allah, recite verses from the Qur'an or wear Muslim clothing. At no time do we mandate students to participate - we offer alternative assignments to any family who requests it."

Education guidelines issued by state officials forbid having students act out religious exercises. Americans United said that while the school may have had good intentions in wanting to teach about religion, it may have gone overboard.

In a letter to school officials, Americans United attorneys Ayesha Khan and Allison Pierce noted the importance of adhering to the law when offering objective, academic lessons on religious issues.

"While we think that teaching students about the world's religions, including Islam, is a laudable goal," AU's letter said, "it must be undertaken WM sensitivity to other religions and non-religious traditions, and without any advancement or endorsement of the religious subject matter. Having students re-enact religious events, or engage in religious practices (even as 'actors') will generally cross over this line."

The AU letter concluded, "We urge you to review your curricula on Islam, and other religions, to ensure compliance with constitutional principles."

The controversy over the Islamic lessons at the schools quickly become a rallying point for several Religious Right groups, many of whom have expressed indignation over the inclusion of Islamic teachings in a public school classroom. TV preacher Pat Robertson's American Center for Law and Justice, for example, has called the activities an "outrage" and a "gross violation" of the law.

Americans United said it was ironic that the Religious Right would condemn religious lessons in a public school.

"I completely agree that these lessons appear to be unconstitutional, but I always thought Religious Right leaders wanted more religion in schools, not less," said Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United. "I guess this demonstrates that when Religious Right leaders argue for more religion in the classroom, what they really want is their version of Christianity."

Copyright Americans United for Separation of Church and State May 2002
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