Tell Montgomery County School: Muslims Deserve a Holiday, Too!
Montgomery County School District in Maryland removed Christmas from their calendar as a response to Muslims who requested to close school for their holiday, Eid ul-Fitr.
The school board voted to remove all religious holidays from the school calendar rather than respect Muslims' request, but all students will still have major Christian and Jewish holidays off. Eid ul-Fitr, a major Muslim holiday that celebrates the end of Ramadan with a feast, will not be acknowledged on the school calendar, nor will school close so students can observe it, unless school happens to be closed for another reason. (Last year, Eid ul-Fitr coincided with Yom Kippur, and Muslims had the day off coincidentally.)
Removing all holidays from the school's calendar was a petty way to shame Muslims for requesting equal treatment. While Muslim students can take the day off anyway, they shouldn't have to choose between schoolwork and a celebration. Please sign the petition to urge the Montgomery County School District to let all students have a day off for Eid ul-Fitr.
We are concerned that your school district removed all religious holidays from the school calendar as a response to Muslims who requested to close school for their holiday, Eid ul-Fitr.
We understand that although the school board voted to remove all religious holidays from the school calendar, all students will still have major Christian and Jewish holidays off. Eid ul-Fitr, a major Muslim holiday that celebrates the end of Ramadan with a feast, will not be acknowledged on the school calendar, nor will school close so students can observe it, unless school happens to be closed for another reason. (Last year, Eid ul-Fitr coincided with Yom Kippur, and Muslims had the day off coincidentally.)
Removing all holidays from the school's calendar was uncalled for and shamed Muslims while refusing them equal treatment. While Muslim students can take the day off anyway, they shouldn't have to choose between schoolwork and a celebration. We respectfully urge you to let all students have a day off for Eid ul-Fitr. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.
