Many modern countries are diverse nations. Immigrants migrate from many different nations to the United States and Western Europe.

Immigrants come to Western nations for many reasons including economic opportunities and individual freedoms.

Sometimes immigrants assimilate to the dominant culture of the nation but sometimes immigrants want to maintain their own cultures and traditions.

Sometimes when immigrants want to maintain their cultures and traditions, other citizens are uncomfortable.

In many Western nations, public schools are secular. Religious symbols and practices are not allowed in public schools.

But many Western nations advocate tolerance or respecting religious and cultural differences.

However, some individuals believe that tolerating hijab, headscarves, or other coverings violates women’s equal rights. Others disagree.

The Qur'an (the holy book of Islam) encourages women to dress modestly. Some Muslims believe that modest dress includes headscarves and hijab.

Hijab is the custom in some Islamic societies of women dressing modestly outside the home. Usually, a headscarf conceals the hair and neck.

However, sometimes women cover their entire bodies except for their eyes.

While some people believe the coverings ensure modesty, others believe the coverings are oppressive to women.

Should a liberal society tolerate all religious practices?

This disagreement has led to conflict between supporters of secular and liberal education and supporters of tolerance and diversity.

How can a secular nation respect diversity while still advocating secularism?