Parents of the Douglas County School District were outraged by a controversial religious dress code enforced for a World Religion class excursion to three different places of worship. Students visited a mosque, a synagogue and a Greek Orthodox church.

At the mosque, the seventh grade class was required to adhere to the Sharia law and cover themselves down to their ankles as well as wear head scarves in order to attend.

The letter sent home to parents said: “All students must wear appropriate long pants. Ankles must be covered. Girls must bring wide scarves or hooded sweatshirts for the mosque.”

Following complaints by parents a statement was issued by the school district describing the visit as an “authentic learning experience”. The statement said: “We teach students how to think, not want to think.” This sparked further debate about whether it was appropriate to expose children to religious beliefs and practices they aren’t accustomed to, especially when they are forced to participate in these religious customs.