Since Lewiston’s Montello Elementary School began receiving African immigrant students from Somalia, there has been a few changes.

School policy says students cannot wear hats. Since Somali Muslims have a religious belief that females should cover their hair, hijabs (head coverings) are allowed, said Principal W. Gus LeBlanc.

There were a few changes at lunchtime, too.

“They’re Muslims, so we’ve gone to all-beef hot dogs. They can’t eat pork. We label our foods with a symbol to show if there’s pork,” LeBlanc said.

Meanwhile, Somalis have had to adjust to U.S. culture. LeBlanc recently heard a complaint from a group of Somali men. “It’s your women,” the men said. “They do what they want. They dress the way they want. They tell men what to do. What are we going to do?'”

Chuckling as he retold the story, LeBlanc said, “Welcome to America!”

Copy the Story Link