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  Case: Cannot Cooperate
Aisha is known as a responsible and smart student. I have known her for the last two years, but this year is the first time she is taking one of my classes. She is in my 10th grade US History class. Recently, I started using small group projects in my class. I simply want my students to learn to cooperate, exchange ideas, and produce the project together. Although Aisha is willing to take part in these small group projects, she does not want to be in groups with male students because of her religious beliefs. When she told me about this, I told her that she was in the United States and that she had to work with whoever she is in a group with. In the first group project, Aisha was in a group with three males and one female students. She simply did not participate in any of the group activities. I wonder if should reconsider my original position on this issue and accommodate Aisha by having her work only with girls. Would I be doing her a disservice? What should I do?
Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!)
This is certainly a difficult situation which requires more consideration. I think you should speak with Aisha, and try to understand her position a little more before jumping to any conclusions. You do need to be considerate of her religious beliefs, and she needs to thoroughly consider what you are asking of her. Sometimes we respond quickly based on our beliefs without fully realizing what we are being asked to do or realizing whether or not the request truly is against our beliefs. Whatever is decided, it should be dealt with as indiscreetly as possible, both out of respect for Aisha's beliefs and for your authority in the classroom.