Meridian seniors have endured quite a journey during our time here, adjusting to every schedule change the administration has implemented. As our time at this school draws to a close, it’s essential that we reflect on the inclusive nature of our educational institution. School is a place where hundreds of students come together to learn, regardless of the religion they practice. In this spirit, I’d like to advocate for the administration to create and abide by a schedule that accommodates the needs of all religious minorities.
All religious minorities that are present within the school, should be given at least one day off for necessary religious holidays. It would aid all minorities from having to go through the process of requesting an excused absence. There is only one major religion throughout Meridian that actively gets holidays off, which is Christianity. Granting religious minorities excused absences a day off for celebration would demonstrate a sincere commitment from Meridian administration towards inclusivity.
I remember having to email my teachers the night before Eid ul Fitr, an Islamic holiday that comes after Ramadan and the spotting of the full moon, to inform them that I would be missing school. It was a hectic process because I didn’t want to miss school, but I had no choice. Eid is a vital part of my religion.
Freshman year, the administration decided not to give religious holidays off. During my sophomore year, we had just started classes in the new school – masks were on, and vaccines were just coming out. As we moved closer to our AP Government exam, Eid ul Fitr was also moving towards the date.
The school had decided that we would be given the day off because the College Board moved the exam from May 2nd to May 20th due to Eid. Closing my high school career these past two years I was not and will not be given Eid off.
“The elimination of days off on important religious holidays of non-Christian religions is oppressive. Why is there no day off for Eid and two whole weeks off for Christmas break?” senior Jeremy Mclnerney said. “These egregious actions by the school make the minority of non-Christian students feel unsafe and unimportant.”
It’s true, and I can speak for many minorities when I say that it really isn’t inclusive and it only sets back what the administration has done for “diversity” in this school.
However, many students do not find this a problem.
“Well, as much as I feel everyone should be included, canceling the whole day of school would cause problems for the ninety-five percent of people who don’t celebrate these holidays,” senior Carter Williams stated. “I think a better solution would be to allow excused absences and have no tests on holidays”
However, people don’t understand the severity of the situation. Why is winter break placed right at the convenience of Christmas? It could be placed anywhere from the beginning of December to the end of February.
Ultimately, it’s just a single day that holds significance for individuals from various backgrounds such as Muslims, Jewish people, Hindus, and more. Christianity is a dominating majority of Meridian, but people need to start looking from the perspective(s) of the students/individuals who make this community diverse–and consider their religious requirements. If someone needs the day off, why shouldn’t they be allowed to take it?
It is imperative that our educational institutions serve as places of tolerance, understanding, and respect for all faiths. The narrative of inclusivity must not remain unfinished; it is a story yet to be told in its entirety. As we reflect upon the present chapter, where certain religions still await the acknowledgment of their sacred days, let us pledge to rewrite the ending together.
