I recommend the Brunswick School System embrace diversity and seize an educational opportunity by including religious holidays embraced by Maine students and staff on the school calendar, instead of labeling one of the major religions in the world, Judaism, as an “outside group,” as was, according to the Times Record, done recently by board member Brenda Clough.

The reason for the request was so students don’t miss important school events like field trips and school pictures. But, the reason should also include the fact that these are major holidays for some students. What if school pictures were scheduled on Christmas Day?

In 2006 a Maryland school district passed a bill “in recognition of religious, ethnic and cultural diversity and in respect for the diversity of its own workforce to designate certain days of commemoration relating to the religious, ethnic and cultural heritage of County residents.” The website has a calendar that allows users to click on boxes to see one or all of the following: School Year Calendar, Federal and State Holidays, Board of Education Meetings, Holidays/Religious Observances, Fine Arts and more. I counted over 80 holiday/religious observation days that could be clicked on to find out what they represent.

As a Mainer, Christian-raised, parent and retired school administrator, I took my kids to Hanukkah lightings, Kwanza celebrations, American Indian Heritage Days, etc… What an opportunity to learn we are not the center of the universe. I believe in separation of church and state but we cannot separate our heritage and history. If we can’t put Rosh Hashanah on the school calendar does that mean we can’t do the Hora, Irish Jig, American Indian Rain Dance, Brazilian Samba, or the Yupik Eskimo dance in our schools?

What if each school day opened letting students know who on earth is celebrating what, where and why that day. You could start on April 8, Ugadi: Ugadi is derived from the Sanskrit words yuga (age) and adi (starting) “the beginning of a new age.” The legend behind this festival is that Lord Brahma created the universe on Ugadi. Others of interest: Korean American Day, Juneteenth (Freedom Day), Mehergan (friendship, affection, love) and many more.

Our students need exposure to diversity. Some Maine students who go onto college or work in other states struggle with the cultural and diversity change. Diversity acceptance requires knowledge, exposure, empathy and understanding.

Elizabeth Bouve,
Harpswell