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Delegates consider HOCO 10-25 to codify five cultural and religious student holidays; school board raises concerns about local control
Summary
HOCO 10-25 would mandate student school closures for five cultural and religious observances (Lunar New Year, Diwali, Eid, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur). Delegates debated inclusivity, operational impact and school-board autonomy; the school board signaled opposition and requested that the local board retain authority to set calendars.
Delegates reviewed HOCO 10-25, a bill that would require Howard County schools to close for students on five cultural and religious observances: Lunar New Year, Diwali, Eid (two Eids were referenced), Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The sponsor proposed an amendment to apply closures to students only and to delay implementation until the 2026-27 school year.
Why it matters: Sponsors said the measure would codify current practices and reduce repetitive calendar debates, while supporters framed it as a recognition of the county's religious and cultural diversity. Opponents, including school-board members, warned the bill would remove local authority to set calendars…
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