A Connecticut school district representing two towns is considering a proposal to close schools on two Muslim holidays.
Muslim Student Council member Shipojn Risati said she wants her school to recognize the holiday she and her Muslim friends in the district celebrate.
“I wanted the kids to acknowledge and spend time with their families instead of having to make up work,” she said.
So the Student Council drew up a resolution asking the Board of Education for two Muslim holidays off from school: the day that marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and the day that concludes the annual observance of the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Superintendent of Schools James Agostine said he commends the students for taking the initiative, but that the state mandates 180 school days for every school district before the end of June.
If the district was closed for the two holidays, he said, they would have to be made up later."In order to take off days, you have to rob Peter to pay Paul,” Agostine said.
The Region 16 District, which represent Prospect and Beacon Falls, doesn’t close schools for any Jewish holidays either, but district officials pointed to two important policies that allow students to be absent from school for any religious observance, no questions asked.
But Risati’s family would still like to see the school take the extra step.
“It’s an excused absence, but they have to make up the work,” said Risati’s mother, Fitnete Risati.
The Region 16 Board of Education is expected to take up the proposal this week from the Student Council.