School Testing On Religious Holiday Sparks Complaint In Moorestown

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Moorestown Township Public School District leaders said they try to avoid scheduling tests on "major holidays."

One particular day that was set aside for students to take a particular tests during the 2021-22 school year coincided with a Muslim holiday, an attendee of a school board meeting said. Such scheduling may pose a challenge for students who observe the holiday and also want to take the test, the attendee said.

After the meeting, Michael Volpe, superintendent of Moorestown Township Public School District, told Patch he met with the district's curriculum director, board members and a group of parents.

"A review of the district calendar was conducted and it resulted in adding holidays and referencing specially designated federal months," he said.

No such conflicts between state testing dates and Muslims should occur during the 2022-23 school year in the Moorestown Township Public School District, according to Volpe.

"One of my goals this year is to have more inclusive practices across the board, including, but not exclusive to the Muslim community," he continued. "If we do have discretion in any state testing moving forward, we will be sensitive to major holidays."

Moorestown Township Public School Board of Education President Mick Weeks added that "the board is committed to ensuring that all students and families in our district feel respected and represented."

Weeks also told Patch that everyone benefits "when we seek to understand and recognize the traditions and achievements of all members of our community."

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