Dearborn Schools Apologize After 200 Students Given Pork Pizza During Ramadan

Dearborn Public Schools in Michigan apologized to parents after more than 200 students received pork during Ramadan.

Over 200 servings of non-halal pepperoni pizza containing pork were served to students at O.L. Smith Middle School in Dearborn from February 23 to March 5, 2026.

Interim Superintendent Lamis Srour wrote to parents that an investigation found no malicious intent but human error did not excuse the incident. "Although our investigation found no malicious intent on behalf of those involved, human error does not excuse the seriousness of this incident," Srour wrote.

"As much as we wish we could, we cannot change what has occurred," she added. "I humbly offer you my most sincere apologies and a promise to ensure this does not occur in the future."

Srour said the district has taken steps to prevent Muslim students from receiving non-halal meat again. She specified that a second halal-certified food provider is being added to the vendor list.

"Dearborn is one of the first school districts in the country to offer halal food options to our students starting in 2003 when we began offering limited menu options," Srour wrote.

"Over the years we have been able to expand offerings, train staff on proper handling procedures, and offer meal options that meet the dietary needs of all students," she added. "Know that our commitment to improving and being responsive to our students will always ensure that our cafeterias are a welcoming space to everyone in our community."

Some X users raised concerns about non-Muslim students. Dan Burmawi, CEO of the Ideological Defense Institute, wrote, "What about the rights of students who don’t want to eat halal food? Why don’t Muslim parents pack halal lunches for their children instead of forcing all public schools in the district to adhere to an Islamic standard?"

Burmawi added, "This is how accommodation turns into de facto Islamic standardization in a taxpayer-funded institution."

Another user wrote, "During Passover every year, my mom had to make a special non bread lunch for me because the cafeteria didn’t offer anything. We didn’t make a big deal of it."

Fox News Digital reached out to Dearborn Public Schools for comment.