GWINNETT COUNTY, GA — A Gwinnett County school board meeting turned into a heated debate over accommodations for Muslim students and staff following a firestorm over social media posts.

The discussion in Georgia’s largest school district centered on concerns about how much accommodation should be provided to Muslim students and staff.

Tori Branum told the school board she was speaking on behalf of parents who are concerned about the issue.

“When parents are afraid to stand at this microphone, I will,” Branum said.

Parent Antoine Lovelace warned the discussion was moving beyond concerns about school policy and into bigotry.

“Our diversity isn’t something that just exists in a demographic report,” Lovelace said. “It is our neighbors, it is our children’s classmates, it is our teachers, it is our leaders and our families.”

Gwinnett County Board Chair Tarece Morgan said the district remains committed to making sure all students and teachers have the opportunity to be successful and thrive.

“We are no longer debating educational leadership. We are attacking a person for who they are,” Lovelace said.