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Student leaders ask Longmeadow School Committee to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day

Longmeadow School Committee · March 25, 2026

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Summary

A Longmeadow High School peer-leadership representative asked the committee to add Indigenous Peoples' Day to the district calendar and to draft a resolution after students reported feeling less connected in the 2025 climate survey.

Sofia Hernandez, speaking for Longmeadow High School’s peer leadership, urged the Longmeadow School Committee to adopt Indigenous Peoples' Day on the district calendar alongside Columbus Day and to draft a formal resolution recognizing the holiday.

"We are supporting the recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day position on our school calendar for the Longmeadow Public Schools to honor Indigenous Peoples' Day," Hernandez said, noting results from the district’s 2025 climate survey in which students identifying as Native American or indigenous reported feeling "less noticed and connected to the school community." She said the petition and proposed resolution aim to increase representation and address bullying and exclusion.

The request was presented during the public-comment period; committee members thanked Hernandez and said they would consider the petition. No formal action or vote on a resolution was taken at the March 24 meeting. The committee advised staff and student leaders to continue discussions and to bring any proposed language back to a future meeting.