California formally recognized Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays earlier today. While this does not automatically obligate California school districts to close on those days, it represents an important recognition of the Muslim community and creates an opportunity for local school districts to consider how their calendars cater to broader religious communities. 

As a Muslim student in PVPUSD, Eid is not simply a day that I would prefer to have off from school. It is one of the most valuable and religiously rich parts of my religious and family life, and it is a day that many Muslim students want and need to spend fully engaged with their communities and cultures.

When Eid falls on a school day, Muslim students can be placed in an unnecessary position of having to choose between fully participating in an important religious holiday and attending school. Although students may be able to receive an excused absence, an absence can still mean missing instruction, assignments, activities, tests, and time with classmates.

I also believe there is a broader principle at stake. Schools should not require students to leave important parts of their identity in order to participate fully in their education. Recognizing Eid wouldn't require non-Muslim students to practice or celebrate Islam but instead give Muslim students a chance to participate fully in both their education and their religious community which they have never been able to do before. 

PVPUSD has an opportunity to demonstrate that belonging in our district does not require students to give up meaningful parts of who they are. It is my belief that recognition and accommodation of religious diversity can help ensure that every student feels that their identity is respected within the district.

We respectfully ask the PVPUSD Board of Education and district administration to consider establishing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as district-wide school holidays in PVPUSD calendars.