In a recent San Francisco government meeting, student voices took center stage as they passionately advocated for the reinstatement of a holiday that holds significant cultural importance. During the public comment segment, students expressed their disappointment over the removal of a holiday from the school calendar, emphasizing its relevance to the Muslim community.

Sarah Rashad, a student and activist, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, "Our community is going through a genocide right now... we want our students to be heard." She urged the council to reconsider their decision, arguing that the resolution would provide essential support for students affected by ongoing crises.

Another student, Zaina, echoed these sentiments, stressing that the holiday is a vital part of the cultural fabric for many Muslim students. "It doesn’t harm anyone... it would just help the community," she asserted, calling for recognition of the diverse backgrounds represented in local schools.

The meeting underscored the importance of student engagement in civic matters, with officials encouraging young voices to participate in discussions about agenda items. As the council moves forward, the students' appeals may influence future decisions regarding cultural recognition in the school calendar. The outcome of this dialogue remains to be seen, but the students' determination to advocate for their community is clear.