The Brookline School Committee meeting on December 19, 2024, highlighted significant concerns regarding the recognition of cultural and religious holidays within the school calendar. Community members passionately advocated for the preservation of holidays such as Lunar New Year and Chanukah, emphasizing their importance in fostering cultural identity and inclusivity among students.

One speaker, who identified as a member of the Jewish community, expressed deep concern over the potential exclusion of certain holidays from the school calendar. They argued that failing to recognize diverse holidays would reflect a discriminatory practice that prioritizes some cultural celebrations over others. The speaker underscored the importance of allowing all students to celebrate their traditions without compromising their educational commitments.

Chi Chi Wu, chair of the Brookline Asian American Family Network, also voiced her distress over discussions to reconsider the status of Lunar New Year as a category 1 holiday. Wu highlighted the efforts of students and community members who worked hard to achieve this recognition just five years ago. She warned that removing such holidays would not only erase the cultural identities of students but also send a damaging message about the value of their backgrounds within the school system.

Another speaker, Susan Park, echoed these sentiments, expressing disbelief at the notion of removing all holidays from the school calendar. She reflected on the joy and significance that the recognition of diverse holidays brings to the community, particularly for students who wish to celebrate their cultural heritage with their families. Park emphasized that the removal of these holidays would feel like a loss, undermining the rich tapestry of cultures represented in Brookline.

The discussions at the meeting reveal a broader concern about inclusivity and representation in the school system. As the committee considers changes to the holiday calendar, the voices of community members underscore the need for a thoughtful approach that honors the diverse cultural identities of all students. The outcome of these discussions will likely have lasting implications for how Brookline schools recognize and celebrate the rich diversity of their student body.