A school district in California has banned all depictions of religious figures after a complaint was filed about an assignment that asked students to draw pictures of the Quran, Mecca, and Muhammad.
Christian Today reports that Seventh Grade students at High Desert School, part of the Acton-Agua Dulce Unified School District, were given the assignment in history class.
Parent Melinda Van Stone, who has not revealed her religion, was upset when her 12-year-old son brought home the drawing.
"It's not appropriate to have our children go to school and learn how to insult a religious group," she said, referring to the fact that depictions of Muhammad are prohibited under Islam.
Although the assignment came from a state-approved curriculum, High Desert School Principal Lynn David said it was supplemental material.
"I have directed all staff to permanently suspend the practice of drawing or depiction of any religious leader,” School Superintendent Brent Woodward stated. “I am certain this teacher did not intend to offend anyone and in fact was simply teaching respect and tolerance for all cultures."
Publication date: November 16, 2015
