California school district sued over field trip to mosque where students allegedly donned Muslim garb

A group of multi-faith parents has filed a lawsuit against Palo Alto Unified School District and Palo Alto High School’s principal over a field trip to a local mosque. The lawsuit claims students were encouraged to wear religious garb and were given Qurans as part of the trip, allegedly without parental consent. While the school district is reviewing the allegations, a student newspaper editor has disputed claims of indoctrination and forced religious attire, though acknowledging concerns about a controversial speaker.

• Multi-faith parents have sued Palo Alto Unified School District and Palo Alto High School’s principal over a field trip to a mosque.
• The lawsuit alleges students were encouraged to wear religious attire, including hijabs, and were provided with Qurans during the trip.
• Parents claim these activities were part of a Social Justice Pathway curriculum and occurred without parental consent.
• The trip included observation of prayer, discussions about worship, and engagement with a youth program.
• Students also reportedly heard from Zahra Billoo, an executive director of CAIR, who has faced controversy for alleged antisemitic statements.
• The parents’ representative stated the issue is about a public school promoting Islam, violating the separation of church and state.
• The Muslim Community Association expressed concern over the lawsuit, stating it risks reinforcing Islamophobia.
• Palo Alto Unified Superintendent is reviewing the allegations but declined further comment on the pending litigation.
• A student newspaper editor disputed claims of indoctrination and forced religious attire, but agreed Billoo should not have been part of the experience.
• FIRE stated that compelling students to wear religious garb would violate the First Amendment.