ONTARIO – A Peel regional school in Southern Ontario, Canada, has allowed its Muslim students to write their own religious sermon, countering an earlier decision which limits their choices on the subject.

“This was about creating a safe space for students, for students to feel equal to the rest of their peers,” lawyer Zoya Alam told CBC News.

“So, this is a positive step for the school board to be creating this safe space and inclusive community.”

The decision to allow students to write their own sermons was issued last Tuesday after a meeting held by the board of Peel Regional School Board.

The meeting marks the end of a controversy that began in September when the board advised students they could only use one of six pre-written sermons during Friday Jumu’ah prayers.

Lawyer Zoya Alam applauded the return to the previous religious accommodation practice, saying it provides a ‘safe space’ for all students. (Mehdard Nazarahari/CBC)

The board said at that time that at least 10 local imams helped develop the sermons.

The decision was criticized by Muslim students and their parents who protested the move, saying it limited the children’s religious freedom

The updated policy say that sermons are delivered in English, except for verses quoted directly from the Qur’an. These sermons will continue to be supervised by a staff member.

“The board has always been committed to an inclusive approach in all activities related to religious accommodation for students and staff of all faiths,” director of education Tony Pontes said in a statement released Tuesday night.

The decision is expected to ease much tension in the school, where some hurled racial slurs at Muslim students for demanding their freedom right.

Protesters with anti-Islamic signs attended the meeting Tuesday and Peel Regional Police officers escorted this woman outside after she launched into a racially-charged outburst. (Mehrdad Nazarahari/CBC)

The sentiments are “hurtful and hateful,” Alam said after the meeting.

“It’s definitely concerning, especially for the students who are still in school right now.”