ROCKVILLE,聽Md.– Montgomery County school board members are working on a set of guidelines for their school calendar after controversy over the removal of religious names from school holidays.
鈥淢ontgomery County Public Schools close on Jewish and Christian holidays, even though they鈥檙e no longer stated as such on the calendar,鈥� said Zainab Chaudry of the Council on American-Islamic Relations at a Board of Education meeting. 鈥淪chools are still closed on these holidays, but they鈥檙e not closed on Muslim holidays.鈥�
The proposed school calendar guidelines would continue to avoid mentioning religion, but close schools on days when 15 percent of students and staff would likely be absent. Chaudry says that percentage effectively cements school closings on Jewish and Christian holidays, while excluding Muslim holidays and holidays celebrated by those of other faiths.
鈥淭he board felt that there was a need to clarify what our process is,鈥� says County Schools Spokesman Dana Tofig. He says that school closings are an 鈥渙perational decision鈥� which is 鈥渟eparate from religious belief,鈥� since too many absences at one time would be disruptive.
Maryland law already dictates closings around Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, and the observance of a religious holiday is considered an excused absence.
Tofig says accommodations are made for those who must miss class.
鈥淥n the Eid holidays we don鈥檛 have any district-wide testing, we encourage our teachers and our schools not to give tests or to have important assignments due that day.鈥�
He says students must be given ample opportunity to make up their schoolwork.
Says Tofig, 鈥渟tudents cannot be penalized for participating in their religion.鈥�
Chaudry says she hopes to discuss the issue with the school board, which will consider the calendar guidelines next month.
