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Students and parents urge Fayetteville-Manlius to make Diwali an official school holiday
Summary
Students and parents told the Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District board that recognizing Diwali as a school holiday would honor Indian culture, offer shared learning opportunities and allow families to celebrate; students reported more than 300 signatures in support and asked the board to consider adding the day to the 2027–28 calendar.
Students and parents urged the Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District board during public comment to make Diwali an observed school holiday.
Rohan, a rising junior, told the board that omitting Diwali from the district calendar “downplays its true value” and that giving students a day off would allow families to celebrate while also creating classroom opportunities to learn about Indian culture. “Leaving it off the school calendar takes away from its importance,” Rohan said.
Ara described Diwali as a unifying cultural celebration that brings people of different faiths together and said making the day an observed holiday would validate Indian heritage and provide learning opportunities for all students.
Rishi Kaul, a rising junior who said he and fellow students have gathered more than 300 signatures, proposed making Diwali an official holiday for the 2027–28 school year. When asked by board President Sarah Fitzgerald whether the students meant the day of Diwali or the day after, Kaul replied the students propose the day of Diwali.
The board did not vote or take immediate action on the request during the meeting. Board members and staff noted the calendar-planning process and the need to consider multi-district schedules and instructional requirements before adopting any new district holiday.
