Diwali peition

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It would be a professional day for teachers. Hindus are not the only religious group that celebrate on that day it is also religiously significant to Sikhs and Jains.

I guess you all would be surprised to know that in India school holidays are given for Christian, Muslim, and Hindu holidays. Jewish holidays as well in certain regions.

If a democratic society has school holidays for one religion, you can not ethically be up in arms about holidays that recognize other religions.

For all the people here who consider themselves 'worldly', interested in a multicultural society, embracing of cultures, etc- it's pretty sad to see how against you actually are to having a school system in such a multi-ethnic region that recognizes the different faiths of the children that go there.

I don't think that MCPS should have any school holidays for any religion, including Christianity. I am going to ask my state delegates to introduce legislation to change the state law that requires closing on Christmas and the Friday before Easter to the Monday after. I'm pretty sure that they won't, and that even if they did, it would go nowhere, but it's worth asking.

Would MCPS still close on Christmas, even if state law didn't require it? I'm sure it would -- because it's a federal holiday, and MCPS closes on most federal holidays.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It would be a professional day for teachers. Hindus are not the only religious group that celebrate on that day it is also religiously significant to Sikhs and Jains.

I guess you all would be surprised to know that in India school holidays are given for Christian, Muslim, and Hindu holidays. Jewish holidays as well in certain regions.

If a democratic society has school holidays for one religion, you can not ethically be up in arms about holidays that recognize other religions.

For all the people here who consider themselves 'worldly', interested in a multicultural society, embracing of cultures, etc- it's pretty sad to see how against you actually are to having a school system in such a multi-ethnic region that recognizes the different faiths of the children that go there.

I don't think that MCPS should have any school holidays for any religion, including Christianity. I am going to ask my state delegates to introduce legislation to change the state law that requires closing on Christmas and the Friday before Easter to the Monday after. I'm pretty sure that they won't, and that even if they did, it would go nowhere, but it's worth asking.

Would MCPS still close on Christmas, even if state law didn't require it? I'm sure it would -- because it's a federal holiday, and MCPS closes on most federal holidays.

I think would be absolutely fine with people of religious minorities if no religious holidays were given in school or gov't. The fact is, that is not the case so in a democratic society willfully excluding some faiths while excepting others is not ethical nor democratic. (Just to make sure there is no confusion- Christian and Muslim holidays are also gov't holidays in India, the various states and local governments also close for certain Sikh, Jain, Jewish and Buddhist religions depending on the population of that locality).

This isn't a petition for a federal holiday, it's for a location that has a large and growing percentage of Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. Recognizing and embracing the diversity of the area should be the case. Once again, I'm saddened by the reactions of so many that like to taut how they love living in a diverse area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It would be a professional day for teachers. Hindus are not the only religious group that celebrate on that day it is also religiously significant to Sikhs and Jains.

I guess you all would be surprised to know that in India school holidays are given for Christian, Muslim, and Hindu holidays. Jewish holidays as well in certain regions.

If a democratic society has school holidays for one religion, you can not ethically be up in arms about holidays that recognize other religions.

For all the people here who consider themselves 'worldly', interested in a multicultural society, embracing of cultures, etc- it's pretty sad to see how against you actually are to having a school system in such a multi-ethnic region that recognizes the different faiths of the children that go there.

Another Hindu poster here. For the last 5 years, I have been pulling my kids out of school on Diwali (the 3rd day is the most important day, for whomever asked) for services/prayer/time with family. They are young, and it doesn't affect them academically.

Diwali is the most important holiday for Hindus. We may be a religious minority, but we pay taxes just like you. We're entitled to get off ONE day of the year, when so much time is wasted on other things (Columbus Day?? Presidents Day? Random half days here and there?)

If you have such a hard time with 'lost days of school', then go to your school board member and petition for more school on the BACK END. We don't need 9 weeks of summer vacation. Try 8.5! And give Eid to the Muslim kids and Diwali to the Hindu kids and stop acting like we are kooks for wanting a little recognition.

We all pay taxes lady. I am an atheist so why can't I say, "I pay taxes and don't want my kids missing 5-10 days a year for religious holidays in a secular public school."

You don't "deserve" that one day off. Sorry you don't. This world is so full of people that want want want. Your religion is a complete minority in our country and in the school district. It is an excused absence. Just pull your kids out. You expect the other 96% of the students to sit at home with a thumb up their ass and their parents to find and pay for childcare so 4% can celebrate a holiday? That isn't how the world works. Entitlement is ridiculous in this area. It amazes me.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It would be a professional day for teachers. Hindus are not the only religious group that celebrate on that day it is also religiously significant to Sikhs and Jains.

I guess you all would be surprised to know that in India school holidays are given for Christian, Muslim, and Hindu holidays. Jewish holidays as well in certain regions.

If a democratic society has school holidays for one religion, you can not ethically be up in arms about holidays that recognize other religions.

For all the people here who consider themselves 'worldly', interested in a multicultural society, embracing of cultures, etc- it's pretty sad to see how against you actually are to having a school system in such a multi-ethnic region that recognizes the different faiths of the children that go there.

I don't think that MCPS should have any school holidays for any religion, including Christianity. I am going to ask my state delegates to introduce legislation to change the state law that requires closing on Christmas and the Friday before Easter to the Monday after. I'm pretty sure that they won't, and that even if they did, it would go nowhere, but it's worth asking.

Would MCPS still close on Christmas, even if state law didn't require it? I'm sure it would -- because it's a federal holiday, and MCPS closes on most federal holidays.

I think would be absolutely fine with people of religious minorities if no religious holidays were given in school or gov't. The fact is, that is not the case so in a democratic society willfully excluding some faiths while excepting others is not ethical nor democratic. (Just to make sure there is no confusion- Christian and Muslim holidays are also gov't holidays in India, the various states and local governments also close for certain Sikh, Jain, Jewish and Buddhist religions depending on the population of that locality).

This isn't a petition for a federal holiday, it's for a location that has a large and growing percentage of Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. Recognizing and embracing the diversity of the area should be the case. Once again, I'm saddened by the reactions of so many that like to taut how they love living in a diverse area.

Completely disagree. The entire county should not be off for an extremely small amount of people who want off. I hope all you minority religions get your wish and then can't take off of work anymore to celebrate your holiday - because every other parent needs off that day too. To babysit their kids on a day off from school they don't need. Then your kids will be home by themselves or in daycare because you have to work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It would be a professional day for teachers. Hindus are not the only religious group that celebrate on that day it is also religiously significant to Sikhs and Jains.

I guess you all would be surprised to know that in India school holidays are given for Christian, Muslim, and Hindu holidays. Jewish holidays as well in certain regions.

If a democratic society has school holidays for one religion, you can not ethically be up in arms about holidays that recognize other religions.

For all the people here who consider themselves 'worldly', interested in a multicultural society, embracing of cultures, etc- it's pretty sad to see how against you actually are to having a school system in such a multi-ethnic region that recognizes the different faiths of the children that go there.

I don't think that MCPS should have any school holidays for any religion, including Christianity. I am going to ask my state delegates to introduce legislation to change the state law that requires closing on Christmas and the Friday before Easter to the Monday after. I'm pretty sure that they won't, and that even if they did, it would go nowhere, but it's worth asking.

Would MCPS still close on Christmas, even if state law didn't require it? I'm sure it would -- because it's a federal holiday, and MCPS closes on most federal holidays.

I think would be absolutely fine with people of religious minorities if no religious holidays were given in school or gov't. The fact is, that is not the case so in a democratic society willfully excluding some faiths while excepting others is not ethical nor democratic. (Just to make sure there is no confusion- Christian and Muslim holidays are also gov't holidays in India, the various states and local governments also close for certain Sikh, Jain, Jewish and Buddhist religions depending on the population of that locality).

This isn't a petition for a federal holiday, it's for a location that has a large and growing percentage of Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. Recognizing and embracing the diversity of the area should be the case. Once again, I'm saddened by the reactions of so many that like to taut how they love living in a diverse area.

Completely disagree. The entire county should not be off for an extremely small amount of people who want off. I hope all you minority religions get your wish and then can't take off of work anymore to celebrate your holiday - because every other parent needs off that day too. To babysit their kids on a day off from school they don't need. Then your kids will be home by themselves or in daycare because you have to work.

Very kind words indeed.

My husband and I work nearly every Christmas and Christmas Eve so those that actually celebrate that holiday can enjoy it with their families. My parents did the same before they retired.

It's this type of self importance and selfishness that makes this area so special.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It would be a professional day for teachers. Hindus are not the only religious group that celebrate on that day it is also religiously significant to Sikhs and Jains.

I guess you all would be surprised to know that in India school holidays are given for Christian, Muslim, and Hindu holidays. Jewish holidays as well in certain regions.

If a democratic society has school holidays for one religion, you can not ethically be up in arms about holidays that recognize other religions.

For all the people here who consider themselves 'worldly', interested in a multicultural society, embracing of cultures, etc- it's pretty sad to see how against you actually are to having a school system in such a multi-ethnic region that recognizes the different faiths of the children that go there.

I don't think that MCPS should have any school holidays for any religion, including Christianity. I am going to ask my state delegates to introduce legislation to change the state law that requires closing on Christmas and the Friday before Easter to the Monday after. I'm pretty sure that they won't, and that even if they did, it would go nowhere, but it's worth asking.

Would MCPS still close on Christmas, even if state law didn't require it? I'm sure it would -- because it's a federal holiday, and MCPS closes on most federal holidays.

I think would be absolutely fine with people of religious minorities if no religious holidays were given in school or gov't. The fact is, that is not the case so in a democratic society willfully excluding some faiths while excepting others is not ethical nor democratic. (Just to make sure there is no confusion- Christian and Muslim holidays are also gov't holidays in India, the various states and local governments also close for certain Sikh, Jain, Jewish and Buddhist religions depending on the population of that locality).

This isn't a petition for a federal holiday, it's for a location that has a large and growing percentage of Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. Recognizing and embracing the diversity of the area should be the case. Once again, I'm saddened by the reactions of so many that like to taut how they love living in a diverse area.

Completely disagree. The entire county should not be off for an extremely small amount of people who want off. I hope all you minority religions get your wish and then can't take off of work anymore to celebrate your holiday - because every other parent needs off that day too. To babysit their kids on a day off from school they don't need. Then your kids will be home by themselves or in daycare because you have to work.

Very kind words indeed.

My husband and I work nearly every Christmas and Christmas Eve so those that actually celebrate that holiday can enjoy it with their families. My parents did the same before they retired.

It's this type of self importance and selfishness that makes this area so special.

Funny, I am Christian and I work every Christmas or Christmas Eve because I am a nurse. Most professions don't work those days except emergency personnel. But 99% of America doesn't even know what some of these holidays are and will be now askin their employers to take off to watch their kids at home. How is that even the same thing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It would be a professional day for teachers. Hindus are not the only religious group that celebrate on that day it is also religiously significant to Sikhs and Jains.

I guess you all would be surprised to know that in India school holidays are given for Christian, Muslim, and Hindu holidays. Jewish holidays as well in certain regions.

If a democratic society has school holidays for one religion, you can not ethically be up in arms about holidays that recognize other religions.

For all the people here who consider themselves 'worldly', interested in a multicultural society, embracing of cultures, etc- it's pretty sad to see how against you actually are to having a school system in such a multi-ethnic region that recognizes the different faiths of the children that go there.

I don't think that MCPS should have any school holidays for any religion, including Christianity. I am going to ask my state delegates to introduce legislation to change the state law that requires closing on Christmas and the Friday before Easter to the Monday after. I'm pretty sure that they won't, and that even if they did, it would go nowhere, but it's worth asking.

Would MCPS still close on Christmas, even if state law didn't require it? I'm sure it would -- because it's a federal holiday, and MCPS closes on most federal holidays.

I think would be absolutely fine with people of religious minorities if no religious holidays were given in school or gov't. The fact is, that is not the case so in a democratic society willfully excluding some faiths while excepting others is not ethical nor democratic. (Just to make sure there is no confusion- Christian and Muslim holidays are also gov't holidays in India, the various states and local governments also close for certain Sikh, Jain, Jewish and Buddhist religions depending on the population of that locality).

This isn't a petition for a federal holiday, it's for a location that has a large and growing percentage of Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. Recognizing and embracing the diversity of the area should be the case. Once again, I'm saddened by the reactions of so many that like to taut how they love living in a diverse area.

Completely disagree. The entire county should not be off for an extremely small amount of people who want off. I hope all you minority religions get your wish and then can't take off of work anymore to celebrate your holiday - because every other parent needs off that day too. To babysit their kids on a day off from school they don't need. Then your kids will be home by themselves or in daycare because you have to work.

Very kind words indeed.

My husband and I work nearly every Christmas and Christmas Eve so those that actually celebrate that holiday can enjoy it with their families. My parents did the same before they retired.

It's this type of self importance and selfishness that makes this area so special.

Funny, I am Christian and I work every Christmas or Christmas Eve because I am a nurse. Most professions don't work those days except emergency personnel. But 99% of America doesn't even know what some of these holidays are and will be now askin their employers to take off to watch their kids at home. How is that even the same thing?

Again, this is not a federal holiday or gov't holiday petition. It's for a school district that has a high percentage of children from Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths. The petition is asking for a school holiday/ professional day to allow these children to have a recognized holiday to celebrate an important event in their religion/ culture.

To be inclusive of the diversity in this area. No one is asking for a Diwali holiday in the middle of a small town that has at most 2 brown kids.

If people in this area don't know what holidays might be important to their Hindu, Sikh, or Jain neighbors, co-workers, doctors, etc, then it wouldn't hurt to learn and expand the mind a bit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It would be a professional day for teachers. Hindus are not the only religious group that celebrate on that day it is also religiously significant to Sikhs and Jains.

I guess you all would be surprised to know that in India school holidays are given for Christian, Muslim, and Hindu holidays. Jewish holidays as well in certain regions.

If a democratic society has school holidays for one religion, you can not ethically be up in arms about holidays that recognize other religions.

For all the people here who consider themselves 'worldly', interested in a multicultural society, embracing of cultures, etc- it's pretty sad to see how against you actually are to having a school system in such a multi-ethnic region that recognizes the different faiths of the children that go there.

I don't think that MCPS should have any school holidays for any religion, including Christianity. I am going to ask my state delegates to introduce legislation to change the state law that requires closing on Christmas and the Friday before Easter to the Monday after. I'm pretty sure that they won't, and that even if they did, it would go nowhere, but it's worth asking.

Would MCPS still close on Christmas, even if state law didn't require it? I'm sure it would -- because it's a federal holiday, and MCPS closes on most federal holidays.

I think would be absolutely fine with people of religious minorities if no religious holidays were given in school or gov't. The fact is, that is not the case so in a democratic society willfully excluding some faiths while excepting others is not ethical nor democratic. (Just to make sure there is no confusion- Christian and Muslim holidays are also gov't holidays in India, the various states and local governments also close for certain Sikh, Jain, Jewish and Buddhist religions depending on the population of that locality).

This isn't a petition for a federal holiday, it's for a location that has a large and growing percentage of Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. Recognizing and embracing the diversity of the area should be the case. Once again, I'm saddened by the reactions of so many that like to taut how they love living in a diverse area.

Completely disagree. The entire county should not be off for an extremely small amount of people who want off. I hope all you minority religions get your wish and then can't take off of work anymore to celebrate your holiday - because every other parent needs off that day too. To babysit their kids on a day off from school they don't need. Then your kids will be home by themselves or in daycare because you have to work.

Very kind words indeed.

My husband and I work nearly every Christmas and Christmas Eve so those that actually celebrate that holiday can enjoy it with their families. My parents did the same before they retired.

It's this type of self importance and selfishness that makes this area so special.

Funny, I am Christian and I work every Christmas or Christmas Eve because I am a nurse. Most professions don't work those days except emergency personnel. But 99% of America doesn't even know what some of these holidays are and will be now askin their employers to take off to watch their kids at home. How is that even the same thing?

Again, this is not a federal holiday or gov't holiday petition. It's for a school district that has a high percentage of children from Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths. The petition is asking for a school holiday/ professional day to allow these children to have a recognized holiday to celebrate an important event in their religion/ culture.

To be inclusive of the diversity in this area. No one is asking for a Diwali holiday in the middle of a small town that has at most 2 brown kids.

If people in this area don't know what holidays might be important to their Hindu, Sikh, or Jain neighbors, co-workers, doctors, etc, then it wouldn't hurt to learn and expand the mind a bit.

What do you consider a high percentage? I think a high percentage is anything over 50%. You are talking about 5% of MCPS students.

[Anonymous]

I doubt 50% of MCPS students are practicing Christians FWIW.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For the love of God, the kids will never be in school in Fall at this rate. Google says this is an Oct/Nov holiday. We have enough days off then already.

I disagreed with the Ramadan decision too though. We simply cannot recognize every single holiday anyone in the county might be celebrating. So long as kids can take the day off and not be penalized for missing things I do not see why a holiday is needed.

I hear you on the number of days, but then we should cancel Christmas, and only celebrate secular and federal holidays. I don't think the answer is f*ck you and your non-Christian holiday, which is essentially what the norm is.

They make the decisions on the basis of the volume of kids and teachers who would be absent to observe their religious holidays. Christmas, of course, is also a national holiday in the U.S.

I fully support having teachers lighten the homework load around religious observances, but if the schools close for every, yes, minority religious observance then the school year would go on ad infinitum. Sometimes I think that the push for school holidays is more about groups who seek to have the governments recognize and validate "their" days rather than based on holiday conflict that impacts a large number of students and staff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It would be a professional day for teachers. Hindus are not the only religious group that celebrate on that day it is also religiously significant to Sikhs and Jains.

I guess you all would be surprised to know that in India school holidays are given for Christian, Muslim, and Hindu holidays. Jewish holidays as well in certain regions.

If a democratic society has school holidays for one religion, you can not ethically be up in arms about holidays that recognize other religions.

For all the people here who consider themselves 'worldly', interested in a multicultural society, embracing of cultures, etc- it's pretty sad to see how against you actually are to having a school system in such a multi-ethnic region that recognizes the different faiths of the children that go there.

I don't think that MCPS should have any school holidays for any religion, including Christianity. I am going to ask my state delegates to introduce legislation to change the state law that requires closing on Christmas and the Friday before Easter to the Monday after. I'm pretty sure that they won't, and that even if they did, it would go nowhere, but it's worth asking.

Would MCPS still close on Christmas, even if state law didn't require it? I'm sure it would -- because it's a federal holiday, and MCPS closes on most federal holidays.

I think would be absolutely fine with people of religious minorities if no religious holidays were given in school or gov't. The fact is, that is not the case so in a democratic society willfully excluding some faiths while excepting others is not ethical nor democratic. (Just to make sure there is no confusion- Christian and Muslim holidays are also gov't holidays in India, the various states and local governments also close for certain Sikh, Jain, Jewish and Buddhist religions depending on the population of that locality).

This isn't a petition for a federal holiday, it's for a location that has a large and growing percentage of Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. Recognizing and embracing the diversity of the area should be the case. Once again, I'm saddened by the reactions of so many that like to taut how they love living in a diverse area.

Completely disagree. The entire county should not be off for an extremely small amount of people who want off. I hope all you minority religions get your wish and then can't take off of work anymore to celebrate your holiday - because every other parent needs off that day too. To babysit their kids on a day off from school they don't need. Then your kids will be home by themselves or in daycare because you have to work.

Very kind words indeed.

My husband and I work nearly every Christmas and Christmas Eve so those that actually celebrate that holiday can enjoy it with their families. My parents did the same before they retired.

It's this type of self importance and selfishness that makes this area so special.

Funny, I am Christian and I work every Christmas or Christmas Eve because I am a nurse. Most professions don't work those days except emergency personnel. But 99% of America doesn't even know what some of these holidays are and will be now askin their employers to take off to watch their kids at home. How is that even the same thing?

Again, this is not a federal holiday or gov't holiday petition. It's for a school district that has a high percentage of children from Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths. The petition is asking for a school holiday/ professional day to allow these children to have a recognized holiday to celebrate an important event in their religion/ culture.
To be inclusive of the diversity in this area. No one is asking for a Diwali holiday in the middle of a small town that has at most 2 brown kids.


If people in this area don't know what holidays might be important to their Hindu, Sikh, or Jain neighbors, co-workers, doctors, etc, then it wouldn't hurt to learn and expand the mind a bit.

Ah, now we see what it's about. More they have theirs, we want ours, too.

[Anonymous]

Where do we get a petition to close the public schools for Wiccan observances?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It would be a professional day for teachers. Hindus are not the only religious group that celebrate on that day it is also religiously significant to Sikhs and Jains.

I guess you all would be surprised to know that in India school holidays are given for Christian, Muslim, and Hindu holidays. Jewish holidays as well in certain regions.

If a democratic society has school holidays for one religion, you can not ethically be up in arms about holidays that recognize other religions.

For all the people here who consider themselves 'worldly', interested in a multicultural society, embracing of cultures, etc- it's pretty sad to see how against you actually are to having a school system in such a multi-ethnic region that recognizes the different faiths of the children that go there.

Another Hindu poster here. For the last 5 years, I have been pulling my kids out of school on Diwali (the 3rd day is the most important day, for whomever asked) for services/prayer/time with family. They are young, and it doesn't affect them academically.

Diwali is the most important holiday for Hindus. We may be a religious minority, but we pay taxes just like you. We're entitled to get off ONE day of the year, when so much time is wasted on other things (Columbus Day?? Presidents Day? Random half days here and there?)

If you have such a hard time with 'lost days of school', then go to your school board member and petition for more school on the BACK END. We don't need 9 weeks of summer vacation. Try 8.5! And give Eid to the Muslim kids and Diwali to the Hindu kids and stop acting like we are kooks for wanting a little recognition.

I support having Diwali off, but MCPS doesn't take Columbus Day off. It's Open House Day. Also the half days (except the Wed before Thanksgiving and the last day of school) are for parent conferences and the completion of grading and reporting duties by teachers. So not random at all.

[Anonymous]

I do not support this at all. Didn't MCPS just say last year no more religious holidays? Why the complete opposite now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I do not support this at all. Didn't MCPS just say last year no more religious holidays? Why the complete opposite now.

That is not what MCPS said.