After speaking with Principal Devan Ganeshananthan, Bissan Kablawi (’22) said students celebrating Eid al-Fitr will not receive homework or assessments and will be excused for any absences.
The date of Eid al-Fitr varies each year depending on the sighting of a crescent moon. This year, Eid is expected to occur May 13.
Kablawi said Eid is a two-day period marking the end of Ramadan where Muslims pray, celebrate with their families and establish a closer connection with God.
Kablawi said in previous years, she has never noticed the school accommodate for Muslim students celebrating religious holidays and “just wanted equal treatment”. She said she spoke with the administration to ensure Muslim students “have time to celebrate without having to worry about school.”
Director of Student Life James Perry said the school intends to provide Muslim students with accommodations throughout Eid in order to shine a light on the importance of recognizing Muslim celebrations “in an environment as diverse and academically demanding as ASL.”
“Most schools in the Western Hemisphere have calendars that revolve around Christian holidays,” he said. “We are trying to do a better job of accommodating students and families of different faiths and cultures whose major holidays often aren’t in alignment with the school calendar.”
Maarya Shafqat Adil contributed to reporting.
