My name is Shahriar Quadery and I am a parent of two children in the Carle Place School District, a 14-year-old in 9th grade and a 9-year-old in 3rd grade. I am writing on behalf of many families in our community.

For Muslim families like ours and many who are supporting this petition, eating halal is an essential part of our faith. "Halal" refers to food that is prepared in accordance with Islamic dietary guidelines, which include specific standards for how meat is sourced and prepared, as well as the avoidance of certain ingredients like alcohol and gelatin derived from animals. These guidelines are not simply a preference, but a religious obligation, similar to how other communities observe dietary laws for cultural or faith-based reasons. Ensuring access to halal food would allow Muslim students to fully participate in everyday school life without compromising their beliefs.

The Carle Place School District serves a diverse and growing community, and it is important that our schools reflect and support that diversity. Providing halal meal options would be a meaningful step toward inclusivity and demonstrates a commitment to meeting the needs of all students. When students have access to meals they can eat with confidence, it supports their well-being, helps them feel included, and allows them to stay focused and engaged throughout the school day.

On March 12th, 2026, I had the opportunity to speak with Carle Place School Lunch Director Elizabeth McLoughlin regarding this request. She was very kind, listened attentively, and took note of the need for halal meal options. She also shared that she would raise this topic in upcoming discussions as the district begins its annual process of selecting a food supplier. I am grateful for her openness and willingness to consider this request, and this petition is intended to demonstrate the strong community support behind it.

Implementing halal options in school cafeterias would not be an unprecedented move. Many school districts across the country have already taken this step to better serve their communities, including:

• New York City public schools (New York)
• Valley Stream School District (Nassau Country, NY)
• Brentwood Union Free School District (Suffolk County, NY)
• Patchogue-Medford School District (Suffolk County, NY)
• Portland Public Schools (Maine), which offers halal-certified meals across all grade levels
• Glenbard Township High School District 87 (Illinois), which expanded halal meals to all four high schools
• San Juan Unified School District (California), which has introduced and expanded halal menu options
• Baltimore County Public Schools (Maryland)
• Montgomery County Public Schools (Maryland)
• Cambridge Public Schools (Massachusetts)

These examples demonstrate that offering halal meals is both feasible and increasingly common in diverse school communities.

We respectfully urge the Carle Place School District to take this important step toward fostering an inclusive environment across all our schools: elementary, middle, and high school. Providing halal meals would be a powerful way to ensure that every child feels seen, respected, and supported.

Please sign this petition to encourage the Carle Place School District to introduce halal meal options in all school cafeterias, so that all students, including my children and many others—can enjoy a nutritious, inclusive, and equitable dining experience at school.