While this is only a small percentage of all public school students, and many Muslim students attend private Islamic schools, they are part of the 60% majority who claim that religion has a significant role in their lives.
What is the legal obligation of public schools to Ramadan?
The federal law, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1965, protects students against discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin. Students of all religions are protected.
The U.S. Department of Education will issue guidance in 2020 on constitutionally protected prayers and religious expression. The advice provided school leaders with detailed information about federal protections that apply to students who wish to practice their religious beliefs during school hours. These guidelines will help schools plan for the needs of Muslim students all year round, including Ramadan. This guidance mentions Ramadan and also says that Muslim students have constitutional protections that allow them to pray when not in class as long as they don’t disturb others.
What are the advantages of recognizing Ramadan in schools?
Researchers have found that when students attend schools that promote a positive atmosphere that acknowledges diversity, they are more likely to feel a sense of belonging. They also have a better level of well-being.
Students who are subjected to discrimination or bias suffer more academically. All students benefit from a supportive, high-quality school environment.
What specific accommodations can schools make for students who fast in school?
During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours. Students who are Muslim and fast can request that they sit far away from the cafeteria in order to avoid food smells.
Alternate seating reduces physical discomfort and allows for other activities like quiet play, reading, or resting during lunchtime. Muslim students prefer to eat their lunch in the library or a classroom they enjoy.
The fasting of Ramadan is not required for students who haven’t reached puberty or are menstruating. Students who are sick, traveling, or who aren’t at school can also be exempt.
What has Ramadan been like for Muslim students in public schools?
While fasting doesn’t prevent students from studying or completing their schoolwork, they may experience fatigue. Headaches. And dehydration during the day. Some people notice an increase in focus, energy, and sleep.
Muslims start to abstain from eating and drinking at dawn. This is usually an hour before sunrise. The exact time varies according to the season and geographical location. Fasting students could wake up at 5 am to eat, pray, and drink during Ramadan in 2023. This will fall between March and April. Studies have shown that by the end of the school day, students could have less cognition in addition to fatigue.
Some Muslim Students struggle to complete academic assessments or complex tasks in the afternoons during Ramadan. Some students may ask for permission before school to do tests when they’re more alert and better able to concentrate on difficult tasks.
At sunset, Muslim students may break their fast either at home, at the mosque, or at. Families may attend nighttime prayers at their local mosque for two hours after the meal. The students are unable to finish their homework and participate in after-school activities because of these traditions and routines. While some students prefer to complete their tasks in the early morning hours when they are older, other after-school activities like sports and clubs cannot be postponed. Schools can help Muslim students by changing expectations about after-school activities during Ramadan.
How about physical education and sports during Ramadan
Students who are taking physical education during Ramadan can ask their teachers to refrain from engaging in activities that require a lot of cardio to avoid dehydration and exhaustion. Instead, they can opt for moderate weight training with periods of rest.
It is possible that young Muslim athletes may not perform to their usual level during Ramadan until they get used to fasting. Older student-athletes may adjust their training schedule to prepare for competitions during Ramadan. Muslim student-athletes depend on their coaches to adapt their physical training during Ramadan.
What has Ramadan meant to college students?
Fast-A-Thons are a long-standing tradition among Muslim students at higher education institutions. They invite their peers to fast together for one day during Ramadan. Since 2001, the University of Tennessee Muslim Student Associations (MSAs) have continued to encourage fast-a-thons in order to raise awareness of Ramadan. Sometimes, groups raise money for social justice issues like hunger in the local community and around the world. Many MSAs on college campuses invite students to fast and host events where they can enjoy a sunset meal.
How many school districts are closed for the Ramadan Festival?
Last year, approximately 15 U.S. school districts closed for Eid al-Fitr. This holiday follows Ramadan. At least four new school districts have added Eid as a holiday for students to their calendars this year. Eid ul Fitr is likely to be celebrated on Friday, April 21, this year.
