ROCKVILLE, Md. (7News) — Advocates for Muslim parents are rallying Tuesday outside a Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Board of Education meeting to demand that it restore parents' right to excuse their children from instruction that contradicts their religious beliefs.

The rally was organized by Family Rights for Religious Freedom (FRRF), a coalition of parents of Montgomery County students. Over 500 parents and community members were expected to attend the rally on Rockville Pike, which was scheduled to reach the front of the MCPS building by 2:15 p.m., according to a release.

The school board meeting began with a closed session at 1:30 p.m., and public comments will begin at 4 p.m. Muslim and Christian parents and students advocating for opt-out plan to testify in that session.

SEE ALSO | Councilmember apologizes after comment about Muslim families & MCPS LBGTQ+ opt-out policy

At a June 6 MCPS Board of Education meeting, parents and students testified about the school system's policy on curriculum materials.

Opponents said the policy prevents students and families from opting out of certain LGBTQ+ instructional materials and does not require teachers to send home letters to inform families when inclusive books are planned to be read.

Muslim parents claim the MCPS Board of Education is violating the U.S. Constitution by prohibiting students from opting out of instruction that contradicts their religious beliefs.

Muslim and Christian parents have filed a federal lawsuit against MCPS, asking the court to force the school board to restore parents’ right to opt out.

Meanwhile, a small group of LGBTQ+ supporters also attended to show their stance on the issue.

"Inclusive schools help everybody," said Laura Stewart of the Coalition for Inclusive Schools and Communities. "We need to learn about each other and each other's families, and also it helps protect children because it reduces bullying -- and if you look through the testimony today, you will see links -- the research."

Read the full MCPS statement on the opt-out policy below:

"MCPS expects all classrooms to be inclusive and safe spaces for students, including those who identify as LGBTQ+ or have family members in the LGBTQ+ community.

A broad representation of personal characteristics within curricular or instructional materials promotes this desired outcome.

Therefore, as with all curriculum resources, there is an expectation that teachers utilize these inclusive lessons and texts with all students.

As is standard practice, when planning for instruction teachers/schools are encouraged to utilize a variety of resources to continue to promote an inclusive environment as outlined in the MCPS Core Values and Board Policy.

Students and families may not choose to opt out of engaging with any instructional materials, other than “Family Life and Human Sexuality Unit of Instruction'' which is specifically permitted by Maryland law.

As such, teachers will not send home letters to inform families when inclusive books are read in the future."

This story will be updated throughout the day.