Please support a student-led initiative for the public schools of Wayland, Massachusetts, to recognize Diwali. 

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a significant holiday celebrated by over one billion people worldwide.  Diwali holds immense cultural, religious, and familial importance, especially for people of Indian descent. In Wayland, Massachusetts, a growing number of families celebrate Diwali, reflecting the cultural diversity that enriches our community. Currently, Wayland Public Schools does not recognize Diwali in any official capacity, which poses challenges for students who wish to observe this important day with their families and educate their friends and community.

Observing Diwali officially, whether through classroom activities, community service, or a school holiday,  would provide students and families the opportunity to celebrate without the concern of missing valuable school time. It appreciates the cultural contributions of Indian families to our locality and promotes inclusivity within our educational system. This change could also serve as an educational moment for students of all backgrounds, learning about different cultures and fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding.

New York City, for example, has incorporated Diwali into its public school holiday calendar, recognizing the festival's significance and the growing demographic that celebrates it. With Wayland's increasing diversity, it is both timely and appropriate for our community to follow suit. Embracing this holiday aligns with Wayland Public Schools' commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. California recently had legislation passed, which would add Diwali to the state's official holiday list. This would make it the third state to achieve this. 

Recognizing Diwali in a formal way with community involvement would not only reflect our recognition of this important cultural event but also our commitment to fostering an inclusive community for all. Let us honor the cultural heritage of our community members and provide equal recognition to the festivals that hold significance for them.

Sign this petition to urge the Wayland School Committee to recognize Diwali officially, ensuring that every family can celebrate such a significant occasion together without the burden of academic obligations. Together, we can make a difference by supporting this meaningful change for our students and community.