Being exposed to new ideas is an important part of education, and schools don’t have to excuse a student from class just because the student or her family disagrees with what is being taught. But if you or your parents object to a particular book or topic of instruction for religious reasons, schools usually try to work out an alternative, so by all means explain your objection to the teacher or principal. In the District of Columbia a student has the specific right to refuse to participate in school activities which are contrary to the student’s moral, religious, or political beliefs.