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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12.  Should a liberal society tolerate all religious practices?

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

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