Quincy School Committee faces backlash over refusal to recognize Lunar New Year as holiday

During the Quincy School Committee meeting on December 11, 2024, a significant focus was placed on the ongoing debate regarding the recognition of Lunar New Year as an official school holiday. This discussion has been a point of contention for several years, with advocates from the Asian American community passionately urging the committee to honor this culturally significant celebration.

Community members, including parents and representatives from the Quincy Citywide Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), expressed their disappointment over the committee's repeated refusal to recognize Lunar New Year. Grace Young, a parent and PTO representative, highlighted that 40% of Quincy Public Schools' student population identifies as Asian, making the lack of acknowledgment of Lunar New Year particularly disheartening. She emphasized that this holiday is the most important cultural celebration for many Asian families, involving extensive preparations and family gatherings.

Several speakers, including Shivpreet Singh and Amy Sorensen Alawad, underscored the importance of cultural inclusivity and the need for the school committee to reflect the demographics of the community it serves. They argued that recognizing Lunar New Year would not only validate the traditions of a significant portion of the student body but also foster a sense of belonging and respect within the school environment.

Critics of the committee's stance pointed out that arguments against recognizing the holiday, such as concerns about equity with other celebrations, fail to acknowledge the unique cultural significance of Lunar New Year. They urged the committee to reconsider its position, suggesting that the current refusal sends a harmful message to Asian students and their families about their value within the school system.

The meeting also revealed a growing frustration among community members regarding the committee's perceived indifference to their requests. Kate Campbell, a long-time advocate for the holiday's inclusion, expressed concern that the committee's lack of responsiveness reflects a disconnect from the community's needs and values.

In conclusion, the discussions at the Quincy School Committee meeting highlighted a critical moment for cultural recognition and inclusivity within the school system. As advocates continue to push for Lunar New Year to be recognized as a school holiday, the committee faces increasing pressure to align its policies with the diverse demographics of Quincy. The outcome of this ongoing debate will likely have lasting implications for community relations and the school district's commitment to equity and inclusion.