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

James Lasher : Nov 3, 2026
Charisma Media

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. ... 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.

[Charisma News] A teacher's plan to bring puppies into a Maine elementary classroom has collided with an administrator's religious objections, putting a lesson in nurturing animals at the center of a public school policy dispute. (Screengrab image: via YouTube-Capitol Flash)

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.