A Muslim Perspective on Pride Month by SAUSD

6/23/26, Santa Ana, CA – Waqas Syed, Secretary of the Board of Shura Council was invited by a member of the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) board to speak at the District Board meeting on equal opportunity in observation of religious beliefs by the district offices. He said “Our concern is the Pride flag flying in June. For Muslim families, and many orthodox Catholics, Protestants, and Jews, this flag represents beliefs that directly conflict with our religious teachings”
He asked “If the district displays symbols representing certain identities, it should also represent students of faith.” He concluded by “Our ask is simple: fairness. If the district displays symbols representing certain identities, it should also represent students of faith. The victorious plaintiffs in Mahmoud v. Taylor were Muslim, Catholic, and Ukrainian Orthodox — families asking only for a voice in their children’s education.”