During a recent government meeting, advocates from the Muslim community presented a request for the inclusion of Eid al-Adha in the school calendar of Prince William County Schools. This request is part of a broader initiative to recognize diverse holidays, which began in 2020 when the school board approved the observance of various religious holidays.

Eid al-Adha, one of the two major Islamic holidays, is considered particularly significant and is celebrated by the Muslim community. The advocates emphasized that the inclusion of this holiday is not a new request; it was part of the original proposal made in 2020, which garnered support from nearly 800 families. At that time, it was understood that Eid al-Adha would eventually be recognized once it fell within the school calendar, which will occur in 2025.

The advocates highlighted the challenges faced by Muslim students when Eid al-Adha coincides with school days. Although the school district allows excused absences for religious holidays, many students are hesitant to take the day off due to concerns about missing important instruction and extracurricular activities. This reluctance can negatively impact their sense of identity and self-confidence, as they feel compelled to choose between their education and celebrating a significant cultural event.

The speakers argued that adding Eid al-Adha to the school calendar would alleviate this pressure, allowing students to celebrate without compromising their academic responsibilities. They also noted that the holiday promotes unity among different faiths, rooted in the shared story of Prophet Abraham, and serves as a reminder of common values in a divided world.

Furthermore, the advocates stressed that recognizing Eid al-Adha would send a powerful message of inclusion to young students, helping them feel valued and acknowledged by their school community. The meeting concluded with a call for the school board to consider this request as part of their ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusivity.