Portland, Maine, Schools Weigh Rules for Classroom Dogs After Religious Objections
An assistant superintendent cited Islamic views on purity, prompting a policy committee to review guidelines following a request to keep foster puppies in an elementary classroom.
By Scott Marshall ·
A dispute over classroom dogs has reached the policy committee in Portland, Maine. Dr. Abdullahi Ahmed, the district’s assistant superintendent for student, family and community partnerships, raised objections based on Islamic religious beliefs. He spoke during a meeting on Oct. 14. The issue centers on a teacher at Ocean Avenue Elementary School who wants to foster puppies in her room. She seeks to let students interact with the animals during reading and playtime.
Ahmed explained that some Islamic traditions view dog saliva as impure. He stated that he consulted local Muslim religious leaders before raising the concern. Those leaders opposed keeping dogs as classroom pets. Ahmed noted that while Islamic tradition emphasizes compassion for animals, specific rules regarding ritual purity apply to dogs. He added that some community members have had negative past experiences with the animals.
The assistant superintendent suggested accommodations for the district. One option involves keeping dogs in a separate room. This would allow students and families with religious objections to maintain their practices while others enjoy the pets. Ahmed, who was born in Somalia and speaks Somali, Arabic, English, and Urdu, clarified that the opposition is not against animals in general. He said, “in Islamic tradition, there is always the love for animals and living things and compassion for animals.”
The policy committee discussed the scope of any new rules. Members debated whether restrictions should apply only to dogs or extend to other classroom animals. They also considered opt-in and opt-out provisions for families. The committee did not vote on any changes during the Oct. 14 session. No final policy is in place yet.
Tina Descovich, co-founder of Moms for Liberty, commented on the debate. She told Fox News Digital that dogs have enriched the lives of American schoolchildren since the nation’s founding. She described the objections to classroom dogs as “silly.”
The district is currently weighing its next steps. Ryan Scallon, the superintendent of Portland Public Schools, has not yet issued a public statement on the specific policy changes. Ahmed also did not immediately respond to requests for further comment. The committee will continue its review of the classroom pet guidelines.
