A group of parents representing various faiths is suing the Palo Alto Unified School District and Palo Alto High School’s principal over a field trip to a mosque. The lawsuit, filed on August 7, alleges that students participated in religious activities without parental consent as part of the school’s Social Justice Pathway curriculum.
The lawsuit claims that during the fall 2025 mosque visit, minors were given Muslim attire and encouraged to wear it. Students also received Qurans and were instructed on Islam’s promotion of social justice, according to the complaint.
The field-trip activities allegedly included observing a Dhuhr prayer and engaging with the Noor Hifz Academy, a religious youth program. Female students were reportedly given hijabs, and all students received Qurans to take home.
The lawsuit, led by Jewish, Hindu, and Zoroastrian parents, accuses the school of promoting Islam rather than providing a balanced educational experience. David Rosenberg-Wohl, representing the parents, emphasized the importance of separating religion from public education.
In response, the Muslim Community Association expressed concern, stating that viewing Muslim faith exposure as coercive risks reinforcing Islamophobia.
Superintendent Jason Glass is reviewing the allegations and refrains from commenting on the litigation. While some parents are upset, certain students argue that the grievances are exaggerated. Juni Thurston, editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, disputes claims that students were forced to wear hijabs or indoctrinated with Islamic beliefs.
Adam Goldstein, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), commented that compelling students to wear religious attire violates the First Amendment. Schools cannot force students to wear religious clothing as part of curricular activities.
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