As a resident of Oak Creek, Wisconsin also a  Muslim taxpayer, I have always felt the need for representation and respect within our community. As a parent, this issue has become even more pressing as my children attend schools in the Oak Creek/Franklin School District, which does not currently acknowledge Muslim holidays in its calendar. For my family and countless others, this omission means that our children are forced to choose between observing important religious traditions and attending school, a choice that no child should have to make.

The Muslim community in Oak Creek is substantial and continues to grow. According to the Pew Research Center and other studies, Muslims are among the fastest-growing religious groups in the United States. In fact, it's estimated that by 2050, Muslims in the U.S. will surpass the number of Jewish people, becoming the second-largest religious group in the country. These national trends are mirrored in Oak Creek, where a significant portion of the school's population comes from Muslim families.

Schools in other districts and states have already successfully integrated recognition of Muslim holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha into their calendars. For instance, New York City public schools and some districts in New Jersey have acknowledged these important days, setting compassionate and inclusive examples.

Incorporating Muslim holidays into the school calendar would reflect the diverse religious demographic of our community, fostering an inclusive environment that respects all students' cultural and religious practices equally. It would also demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion, values that our community and educational institutions should uphold.

We respectfully urge the Oak Creek/Franklin School District to recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as official school holidays. By doing so, we would be taking a significant step towards ensuring that all students feel seen and respected. We ask community members, parents, and allies to join us in advocating for this change. Sign this petition and support equal respect and representation for all students in our community, aiming for a more inclusive educational environment for everyone.