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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!)
I believe that you should accommodate Alisha during this activity. I feel that arranging the groups where she works only with females would not be that difficult and would respect Alisha's religious views. Many of us have religious views that we would not want violated and we should not judge another's views simply because we do not understand them. You should research her religion and have her explain to you how working with the male students makes her uncomfortable. After speaking with her and researching, you may be able to find a compromise that works for both you and Alisha in future activities.