Drawing Islam’s Prophet Muhammed has been banned in a California school district after 7th-graders were given an assignment that asked them to sketch images related to the religion.

According to the Los Angeles Daily News, a parent complained when her son brought home the vocabulary assignment that had terms about Islam printed (Koran, Mecca, Muhammed) with space provided to draw related pictures.

When this was brought to the attention of Acton-Agua Dulce Unified School District Superintendent Brent Woodard, he consulted with an “expert on Islam” and made the announcement that drawing religious figures will no longer be allowed as assignments.

“I have directed all staff to permanently suspend the practice of drawing or depiction of any religious leader,” Woodard said. “I am certain this teacher did not intend to offend anyone and in fact was simply teaching respect and tolerance for all cultures.”

But that’s not how Melinda Van Stone saw it when she viewed her 12-year-old son’s work two weeks ago:

“It’s not appropriate to have our children go to school and learn how to insult a religious group.”

Stone learned that while the lesson was based on state-approved curriculum, the individual worksheet was brought in by the teacher separately. However, school district President Ed Porter defended the teacher saying he is “very tolerant” and “inclusive.”

Porter added, though, that “more sensitivity” is needed.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations-Los Angeles chimed in urging the district to stick to “formally approved” material and only “use that material rather than running the risk of using inaccurate or offensive material.”