Dr. Abdullahi Ahmed, Portland Public Schools' assistant superintendent for student, family and community partnerships, cited Islamic traditions concerning dogs during an Oct. 14 policy committee meeting, Breitbart reported.

The discussion followed a teacher's request to foster puppies in her classroom, allowing students to spend time with the animals during reading and play.

Ahmed said he consulted local Muslim religious leaders who opposed keeping dogs as classroom pets, according to Breitbart, which credited the New England Signal with first reporting the story.

At issue was ritual purity. Ahmed told the committee that "the dog saliva is considered impure." He also said students should not be required to "interact" or be in "close proximity" with dogs.

Ahmed pointed to negative experiences some people have had with dogs while emphasizing that Islamic teachings encourage kindness toward animals.

"In Islamic tradition, there is always the love for animals and living things and compassion for animals," he said, according to Breitbart.

The objection drew criticism from Moms for Liberty co-founder Tina Descovich, who called the proposal "silly" in comments to Fox News Digital cited by Breitbart.

Critics argue that classroom dogs can provide therapeutic benefits and help students develop nurturing skills. The teacher's request would give children opportunities to interact with puppies as part of their school day.

The proposal now places Islamic concerns alongside the educational benefits supporters say animals bring to classrooms.

For now, the puppies' classroom future remains unsettled. According to the report, the policy committee has yet to vote on changes to its pet policy. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man's Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Christian Pilot Who Prayed Lord's Prayer Before Fatal Florida Plane Crash Remembered for Powerful Faith

Lawsuit Filed after Dearborn Mayor Ignores Christmas, Jewish Holidays in Favor of Ramadan

President Trump: US Close to Making a Trade Deal With Canada

Maine School Official Cites Islamic Concerns in Push to Keep Dogs Out of Classrooms

The Prayer Wave This Election

AG Blanche Announces Tipline, Website to Report Voter Fraud and Election Violations

Trump Says Israel Will Stop Receiving US Aid $ by Year's End, Can Still Buy Weapons: It's 'a Very Thriving Country' That No Longer Needs It

Control of Congress, Socialists, Abortion, Gay Marriage, Transgenderism All Being Voted On in Today's Elections

America's Women: Called for Such a Time as This

ICYMI: President Trump Sent a Message to Christians Honoring Reformation Day: 'God's Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ'

Do You Use Wikipedia? You Should Be Aware of This: It Prohibits Content from 97% of Conservative News Websites

Prayer Alert: 'Like a Missile Going Down!' 9 Dead in Florida Jet Crash (Video)

Brainwashed: El-Sayed Backer, Who Wanted to Kill Jewish MAGA Activist, Loved America Before University

Another Michigan Democrat, Haley Stevens Endorses Republican Mike Rogers over Abdul El-Sayed in Tight Senate Faceoff (Video)

The Spiritual Warfare is REAL Over the Midterms: Occultists Engaging in Rituals Hoping for a Democrat Takeover of Congress

A Sacred Assembly: Saturday's Prayer for America on DC's National Mall

130 Christians Slaughtered in 3 Different Countries

Israel Vote Results Leave Netanyahu, Eisenkot Blocs Short of Majority

'Thank God for a Miracle': The Extraordinary Detail Behind the Deadly Checkpoint Attack in Israel (Video)

Minnesota Senate Candidate Flanagan: People Who Stigmatize Abortion 'Don't Know What Happens'