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MASON, Ohio (AP) — The principal of a suburban Cincinnati high school has apologized to anyone who was offended after canceling a student-led event that invited girls to spend the day wearing a Muslim headscarf.
"The Covered Girl Challenge" at Mason High School was intended to combat stereotypes students may face when wearing head coverings.
But Principal Mindy McCarty-Stewart says the school received numerous strong messages as word of the event spread, forcing her to reconsider the event's ability to meet its goals. She says the event sponsored by a Muslim student group should not have been promoted by the school's Student Activities Department.
Online backlash was strong. Some said it was similar to making fun of Muslim traditions, others said Mason caved in to bigotry by canceling it.
The event is held on college campuses and other high schools.
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