The Issue

Petition for a Districtwide Day Off on Diwali

Rutherford is a vibrant, diverse community with a significant Indian population. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important holidays celebrated in India and by Indian people worldwide. Yet, for many students and families in the Rutherford district, the opportunity to fully participate in this cultural and religious festival is hindered by school commitments.

For us, Diwali is not just a holiday—it is a time for family, reflection, and cultural celebration. As students in Rutherford schools, we often miss out on fully experiencing this festive season because there is no official school holiday. Having a districtwide day off for everyone—students, teachers, and staff—would ensure that families who celebrate can do so without conflict, while also giving the entire school community a shared day of rest and recognition of cultural diversity.

Importantly, this would not mean adding extra days to the school year. Rutherford can use existing breaks in the calendar to honor religious holidays—just as other towns already do. By reorganizing, rather than extending, the school year, Rutherford can take meaningful steps toward fairness and inclusivity.

Rutherford should represent American values of diversity and equality. Other towns in New Jersey already incorporate days off for religious holidays such as Yom Kippur, Ramadan, and Diwali into their calendars. Currently, Rutherford does not recognize any of these holidays with school closures, leaving students who celebrate feeling unseen and excluded.

Recognizing Diwali with a districtwide day off would be a powerful first step toward incorporating true diversity into our schools and our town. It would allow many of us to connect with our roots, share traditions with friends and neighbors, and contribute to the rich cultural tapestry that makes Rutherford stronger.

We are asking the Rutherford district to take this step—not just for those who celebrate Diwali, but for everyone who believes inclusivity makes our schools and community better. This change would show that our district truly values the cultural traditions of all its families, and it would ensure that no student has to choose between education and celebrating their heritage.

Join us in embracing our community’s diversity by signing this petition. Help us secure a school holiday for Diwali so students and families in Rutherford can celebrate fully. This is about more than just a single tradition—it’s about taking Rutherford’s first steps toward a more inclusive future.