In our increasingly diverse school, inclusivity is crucial for all students’ future success and development. All students deserve respect and inclusivity no matter their culture, religion, or background as they have decided to pursue their education in this school. As an educational institution that serves as a fundamental pillar for our community, this school needs to accommodate the religious practices of the students and staff that attend and work in it.

As a Muslim student, I always make sure to strive to excel academically not only for my personal growth and future but to represent my religion and community as a whole. One of the ways our school district can reward that hard work is to provide two days off for Eid and for this school to recognize this special day as an official holiday.

Eid is a Muslim holiday celebrated by over two billion humans around the globe and represents the end of the holy month of Ramadan, in which healthy Muslims over the age of 15 fast daily, starting just before dawn and ending at sunset. This holiday is commemorated by a huge, community-wide celebration that is then followed by feasting on delicious meals and giving charity to the poor and underprivileged. This day should be preserved only for spending time with family and friends, talking about your past and future over delicious meals and sweets.

There are two Eids that are celebrated by all Muslims during the calendar year, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Fitr, which means “ festival to break the fast,” is at the end of Ramadan and is the first of the two that are celebrated during the year. This holiday holds significant religious importance, similar to other widely celebrated holidays like Christmas in Christianity and Hanukkah in Judaism. By accepting Eid as an official holiday and providing designated days off, this school will demonstrate its commitment to honor and respect the religious practices of the many Muslim students on campus. 

Eid al-Fitr happens every school year and Muslim students are forced to choose their education or their family and faith.  This is not fair.  Each year, there are more Muslim students who attend District 6 schools and making this change could help them look forward to school and pursue their education at a school that recognizes their contributions. District 6 is already giving students days off in April on the 25th and 26th.  Why can’t those dates to be moved to accomodate Muslim students and their families?

Eid is an important holiday for the Muslim students of our school that represents them and what they stand for as individuals. This school should recognize this holiday not only to show inclusiveness but also to provide all students with a safe environment to express their values and morals and pursue their goals.