Asians make up a large part of not only our school community but the community of our nation. In the coming months, the world will celebrate Diwali and the Lunar New Year. Despite that, Sidwell still refuses to recognize these Asian cultural holidays in the same fashion in which they recognize Jewish, Christian and Islamic holidays. While it is a privilege to go to a school as diverse and accepting as Sidwell, it is time for the Quaker value of equality to be implemented rather than just preached.
For over five years, various student leaders have unsuccessfully attempted to expand the Sidwell Religious Holiday Policy to recognize the range of religions students practice. Currently, the policy reads: “During the annual holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Easter, and Passover, which span more than a single day, no tests or quizzes may be scheduled, and no papers or homework may be due on the days of Rosh Hashanah (first day only), Good Friday, Yom Kippur, and Passover (first two days), Eid-al-Adha, Eid-al-Fitr, or on the first day after Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Easter.”
Even more frustrating is that this ask is not just coming from Asian students; many students who do not practice these holidays are equally saddened that their friends do not receive the same privileges they do.
In the fall of 2022, after freshman student government elections, the issue of limited holiday observation was reintroduced. This time, however, student interest intensified, with 300 students signing a petition to express their dissatisfaction that Asian cultural holidays are ignored by Sidwell. With this renewed student support came a wave of optimism that Asian students would finally receive religious equality. Unfortunately, this notion was wrong. There have been many administrative hurdles that have made this process difficult, with the word “no” becoming increasingly familiar. Even more frustrating is that this ask is not just coming from Asian students; many students who do not practice these holidays are equally saddened that their friends do not receive the same privileges they do.
Additionally, Sidwell hosting Diwali and Lunar New Year parties and posting celebrations on social media shows that the administration wants its students to be represented. However, this external appreciation for students’ culture fails to be represented in the school’s policies. The issue of religious recognition has now become more than just a focus on homework, but rather about appreciating and respecting Asian holidays and cultures the same as others. No culture or religion should be given more privileges or advantages than another, especially at Sidwell, which prides itself in its diversity. Recognition of Diwali and the Lunar New Year as no homework days would show validation and celebration for these holidays and spotlight them as they do for other cultures.
This year, the Office of Equity, Justice and Community has met many times to discuss changes to the policy. Additionally, a committee of students, teachers and parents will meet to deliberate and discuss the topic in relation to the Lower and Middle Schools. We hope that the committee’s decision will be swift and reform the religious holiday policy to reflect one of the most important Quaker values: equality.
