Religious equality for all students

As a theologian who teaches college students the importance of interreligious dialogue and relations, I want to encourage you to make a calendar adjustment to honor one of the most sacred days on a Jewish calendar. I also want to encourage you to plan accordingly in the future. Decisions about start days and final days should be checked with the Jewish and Muslim holy days. Most calendars in America privilege the Christian theological tradition already. This puts our Muslim and Jewish brothers and sisters at a disadvantage when they are forced to choose school or their religious traditions. I believe the school has made positive changes in the past to promote inclusivity. This oversight needs to be corrected to illustrate to all students and families the importance of respecting all faith traditions. -Kelly Wilson, Class of 97

You should probably write the holiday name and the day school starts in the description.

It is completely unacceptable to demand students to attend school on a day of religious obligation. Our district gives a day off on both sides of Easter weekend and for equality I firmly believe that students whose families celebrate Rosh Hashanah should be given the opportunity to make a decision based on their family tradition. Kindly reconsider starting in person learning for one more day.

if christians can have their holidays it should be the same for everyone

EPHS 1997

If you are going to recognize one religion then recognize all of them

First day of school is so important, too important for kids to miss because the school district is insensitive to religious holidays.

Class of 97

I’m feeling very privileged right now that my kids never had to attend school on Christmas Day. Please move the start date by one day to ensure equal privilege for all our kids. The first day of school after the end (hopefully!) of a global pandemic is one no parent wants their kid to miss!

As a Jewish member of the EPHS Class of 1997, I would hope that the EP School District could progress enough to respect a major religion’s high holidays by the year 2021!

Inclusivity often starts from the top. What does this teach our children?

religious equality is not a privilege in this country. it is a right.

You need to consider this calendar change for our students of Jewish faith. It is extremely disappointing that this wasn't looked at when making school calendar decisions last spring.

Christmas isn’t the only holiday in the calendar. Some accommodations would be appreciated. Kids need to be able to attend the first day of school. It is not inclusive and equitable to start school during a major religious of a group of people.

Having school begin on Sept. 8 this year is culturally insensitive to your Jewish population.

It is important to make this change.

Religious observerances for all should be respected

Please respect all religions.

No student or teacher should have to choose between attending the first day of school or attending the Jewish High Holiday services.

תודה For English speakers this means “respect all or respect none”