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Parents and students urge Chesterfield school board to make Diwali a school holiday
Summary
Dozens of parents and students urged the Chesterfield County School Board to recognize Diwali as a student and teacher holiday beginning in the 2026–27 school year, citing equity and examples from neighboring districts; speakers said the change could be made by banking instructional time or adjusting professional learning days.
Dozens of parents, students and community members told the Chesterfield County School Board on Nov. 12 that Diwali should be added to the district calendar as a student and teacher holiday.
Such Gandhi, who identified himself as a parent, said his petition — backed by signatures and supporters — asks the board to "recognize Diwali as a student and teacher holiday starting in the 2026–27 academic year," arguing that the change would promote equity and inclusion for South Asian students whose families observe the festival. "Every child deserves equal recognition and inclusion," Gandhi said.
Speakers described how Diwali celebrations often fall on school days, forcing families to choose between participation in religious and cultural observances and attending classes. Ankur Patel, another parent, said the district could adopt a calendar model used by neighboring jurisdictions "by banking instructional time and adjusting professional learning days," which would meet the 180-day requirement without extending the school year.
Students also addressed the board. A middle-school student said attending classes on Diwali left little time for family prayers and celebrations, and a fifth-grade student described missing traditional morning rituals because of school obligations. "I shouldn't have to pick between my culture and school," one student said.
Speakers cited nearby examples — the transcript references Henriko County and Richmond public schools and other Virginia districts — that already list Diwali as an observed day, and noted recent state and municipal moves elsewhere recognizing Diwali.
Board members listened and thanked speakers for their testimony. No formal board response or vote on a calendar change occurred at the meeting; staff and trustees referred the request to the board process. Superintendent Dr. Murray later emphasized the uncertainty of the budget and broader calendar planning but thanked speakers for participating.
What's next: the board did not take immediate action on the petition at the Nov. 12 meeting. Speakers and petition organizers requested that the board consider recognizing Diwali beginning in the 2026–27 school year and asked staff to bring options for calendar adjustment to a future meeting.
