Montgomery County schools will observe one of the major Muslim holidays in 2016, the Eid Al-Adha. Local Muslim communities had been victorious after years of pushing for equality and same treatment as Christians and Jews.
The Board of Education voted 6 to 2 in favor of the Muslim holiday. This would mean that the professional work day for teachers and administrators will be moved in case it falls in the holy day of Eid Al-Adha next year whch is expected to be in September 12.
This decision ignited the change in Maryland's largest student suburban Washington school system.
The request to observe the holiday came from Muslim leaders who claimed that their communities are growing though no definite number was given. School leaders however said that by law, the school cannot be closed to observe religious holidays.
While the schools close during Christian and Jewish holidays such as Christmas and Yom Kippur, officials claim that this is due to state requirements and operational effects such as expected absenteeism from the majority of students.
Last year, Montgomery struck the names of religious holidays in their school calendar to promote fairness and equality among students from different religious backgrounds.
According to Muslim community leaders, without the school closing on their holy day, they will be pushed to choose between education and faith.
Samira Hussein, a co-chair of the Equality for Eid Coalition said, "I am very happy. I am in tears. I am thrilled. I cannot wait to see the children, the students in the classrooms, being happy and thankful for this day."
Many of the board members said that it was the time to act on the Muslim community's request though many other issues are pending for implementation.
Board member Christopher S. Barclay said, "I'm really concerned that we are putting ourselves in a place that we give lip service to the diversity we have in this incredible community that we live in and serve, but in fact the most important things are the actions that we take."
According to board member Jill Ortman-Fouse, "It's an issue of fairness." She also added, "I get off for all of my holidays. . . . Obviously it's an issue of respect for members of our community who are very dedicated to our county and a very important part of our school system."
Over two dozen members of the Muslim community attended the board meeting and were pleased of the announcement.
