Parents from diverse religious backgrounds in Montgomery County, Maryland, are uniting against the school district's gender ideology curriculum, demanding the right to opt their children out of lessons that clash with their beliefs. Shaykh El Hadji Sall, a Muslim immigrant, has become a vocal figure in this movement, arguing that the curriculum infringes upon his parental rights and contradicts his religious values.

Sall, along with other parents, participated in a demonstration protesting the Montgomery County Public Schools' (MCPS) decision to eliminate the opt-out option for lessons on gender identity and sexual orientation. He contends that the school district is attempting to impose values on his children that his faith considers sinful. Sall expressed his frustration on Fox & Friends, emphasizing that a small group of individuals on the Board of Education are disregarding the wishes of a larger community. He also voiced concerns that this curriculum undermines his cultural and religious heritage.

The controversy stems from MCPS's introduction of an LGBTQ-inclusive reading list for the 2023-2024 academic year as part of its English language arts curriculum. While MCPS stated that students can opt out of the 'Family Life and Human Sexuality Unit of Instruction,' they cannot opt out of other curriculum components, including the English language arts program. This stance has further fueled the parents' discontent.

Ismail Royer, a member of the Coalition of Virtue, supports the parents' cause. He argues that parents should not be forced to choose between accepting indoctrination and facing penalties from the school district. Royer stressed the importance of community involvement in school board elections and suggested that, in this particular case, voting against certain candidates might be a necessary step for concerned Muslim parents. He believes that the issue extends beyond religious freedom and touches upon fundamental parental rights.

Sall and other parents remain resolute in their opposition to the curriculum and their demand for the right to opt out. Sall believes that this issue will significantly influence upcoming elections and emphasized the importance of informed voting and civic engagement.