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A school has been forced to apologize and faces protests from parents after a picture of the Prophet Muhammad was shown in class.
One of the parents at Batley Grammar School in West yorkshire says the cartoon was taken from Charlie Hebdo, the French satirical magazine that was attacked in 2015 by Islamic terrorists who killed 12 people.
The cartoon was shown to students at a religious studies lesson on March 22, according to a letter to parents seen by Sky News.
School leaders were forced to apologize, admitting that it was “completely inappropriate” and “had the ability to cause great offense.”
Representations of the prophet Muhammad are considered deeply offensive in Islam.
Police officers appear in the schoolyard Thursday.
On Thursday, people gathered in front of the school to demand the resignation of the teacher involved.
Video images posted on social media show men in masks huddled around the school gate.
A police officer is seen reading a statement from the school as protesters shout that they want the staff member to be “fired.”
The letter seen by Sky News reads: “The school would like to thank the parents who contacted us on Monday March 22nd to highlight their concerns with a resource used in an RS lesson that day.
“Upon investigation, it was clear that the resource used in the lesson was completely inappropriate and had the ability to cause great offense to members of our school community, so we would like to offer a sincere and complete apology.”
It goes on to say that the image has been removed from the teaching material and that all religious studies content will now be reviewed in light of the complaint.
Yunus Lanat, an executive member of the Muslim Welfare Society of India in Batley, told Sky News that he believes the teacher “went off script” and was trying to “provoke.”
“They talk about freedom of expression, but I question what freedom of expression has to do with a RE lesson.”
“You will never see an image of the Prophet Muhammad in our mosque, in any mosque in the world. It is not acceptable,” he added.
“That gives you a sense of understanding as to why these cartoons are causing annoyance.”
Lanat said she also fears that some of those protesting were not parents at the school and had “kidnapped” the cause from outside the area.
West Yorkshire Police said in a statement: “We are aware of a small demonstration at the school, which is still ongoing. Officers from the local neighborhood are present.”
Sky News has contacted the school for further comment.
