As students approach the end of the semester, many families are preparing to celebrate various cultural and religious holidays. While some of these holidays are recognized by state and federal authorities, others occur on school days, prompting discussions about how students can engage in these important traditions without compromising their academic responsibilities.
Ashley Crystal Rojas, the policy director for Indigenous Justice, highlighted the challenges faced by Indigenous students. “If Indigenous students are at a ceremony or in a roundhouse all night dancing, they’re likely to be tired and absent from school on Mondays,” she noted. Rojas emphasized the importance of allowing students to embrace their cultural identities without the pressure of academic performance overshadowing their rituals.
California recognizes several state and federal holidays, including Genocide Remembrance Day and Native American Day. Recently, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 268, which will add Diwali to the list of state holidays starting in 2026. This festival, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains, will provide another opportunity for students to observe their traditions with the support of their schools.
Families may wonder about the options available for students to take time off for holidays that are not state-recognized. According to California’s education code, students may take excused absences to observe religious holidays or participate in cultural ceremonies. However, there are specific limitations; for example, students cannot miss more than one school day per semester for religious retreats.
When planning for a holiday absence, it is advisable for parents to inform the school administration ahead of time. By notifying the school of the absence and its religious or cultural significance, families can ensure that their child’s absence is excused. Rojas stated that Indigenous Justice often assists families in understanding their rights regarding school absences. “There’s a really inconsistent implementation across school sites,” she said, noting that not all school administrators are receptive to the needs of students, even with existing protections.
Parents are encouraged to communicate with teachers to arrange for the completion of any missed work or assessments. As absences for religious observances are categorized as excused, students are entitled to make up assignments without penalty. California law stipulates that teachers must provide “reasonably equivalent” assessments to those missed, ensuring students do not fall behind academically.
Schools in California also accommodate students who participate in religious fasting, such as during Ramadan. Under Assembly Bill 2377, students can receive accommodations in physical education classes while fasting. To access these supports, parents should provide written documentation to the school principal, affirming their child’s participation in the fasting period.
As the holiday season approaches, understanding policies surrounding school attendance for cultural and religious observances is crucial for families. By fostering an environment that respects and accommodates diverse traditions, schools can help ensure that students engage fully in both their cultural identities and their academic responsibilities.
