Basking Ridge Schools To Observe Diwali Holiday

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The Bernards Township School District will now be observing the Diwali holiday after many parents, students and residents, who celebrate this popular Hindu festival, voiced their opinions at several Board of Education meetings.

"Giving an excused absence isn’t enough anymore," said a Bernards Township student. "It’s about every child in the school district ability to feel respected for their religion and not feel punished for their participation."

"Being that one in every four people in Basking Ridge is Asian, it seems almost unfair Diwali isn't a religious holiday," the student continued.

She went on to note towns like Edison, Millburn and New Brunswick all give off for Diwali.

"We have gotten a fair amount of input from several Board of Education meetings about not having school during Diwali," said BOE President Robin McKeon at the April 23 meeting.

Although it is too late for the district to close school for Diwali in 2018, which falls on Wednesday, Nov. 7, the board did unanimously vote to allow the district to have a half-day instead.

McKeon explained that calendar changes for the next three school years must be submitted by December. However, the board also unanimously voted that beginning with the district's 2021-2022 school year, they will observe Diwali when it falls on a school day.

"Going forward we will add language to stipulate what happens when the holiday falls on a weekday to be closed for students," McKeon said.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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