Religion in schools

Patriotwise -   A new federal lawsuit says a public high school’s “social justice” field trip turned into a religious event inside a mosque, raising church–state and student privacy alarms. Parents from multiple faiths sued Palo Alto Unified over a 2025 mosque visit tied to a school program.

The complaint says students were encouraged to wear Islamic attire, given Qurans, and observed prayer. Plaintiffs argue the school promoted one faith and posted student photos without consent.

The superintendent says instruction must be academic, not devotional, and the district is reviewing practices.

Parents and students from Jewish, Hindu, and Zoroastrian backgrounds filed a federal complaint against Palo Alto Unified School District. They say a fall 2025 field trip to the Muslim Community Association mosque went beyond teaching about religion. The complaint says students were encouraged to wear Islamic clothing, were given Qurans, observed prayer, and heard messaging that linked Islam with social justice goals. Plaintiffs also say student photos from inside the mosque later appeared online without parental consent.