SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - The San Diego Unified School District’s plan to protect Muslim students from bullying is facing a challenge in court Tuesday.
Six parents filed a lawsuit last year, claiming the district’s policy is unconstitutional and favors students of one religion over another.
A judge Tuesday will hear arguments in the case, but there is no word on if any ruling or decision will be made following the hearing.
The program aimed at stopping anti-Islamophobic behavior towards Muslim students is in collaboration with the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR). The district said the program teaches more about Islam in schools to curb the mistreatment of Muslim students.
However, the parents who filed suit believe there needs to be equal treatment of all religions at San Diego schools. The suit accuses the district of violating the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the Constitution.
“We’re not asking teachers to be parents. We’re not asking the School Board to be parents, but when situations like this occur and they’re not listening to parents, then there’s a major breakdown of communication,” said parent Jose Velasquez, who is one of the parents involved in the suit.
