In many U.S. schools, Muslim students are a small group, but in certain areas, they stand out more. This has led schools to pay closer attention to their needs during Ramadan, a time when Muslims fast from dawn until sunset as part of their faith.
In Dearborn, Michigan, for instance, a city with a large Arab population, schools are going the extra mile to support students observing Ramadan. Teachers and staff are making efforts to accommodate these students, ensuring they can practice their faith without disrupting their school day. For students fasting, schools like Dearborn’s are finding alternative spaces and activities during lunchtime.
David Mustonen, a spokesperson for Dearborn Schools, emphasizes the importance of allowing students to observe their faith while ensuring they still complete their schoolwork. Similarly, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the East African Elementary Magnet School has created a special area in the library for fasting students to engage in quiet activities away from the cafeteria.
This school, which opened recently, not only follows the St. Paul public schools curriculum but also aims to connect students with their East African heritage. Principal Abdisalam Adam, with nearly three decades of experience in the district, views accommodating Ramadan as part of a broader commitment to student welfare.
For districts less familiar with Muslim practices, resources like those provided by the Islamic Networks Group in California are invaluable. They offer educational materials online about Ramadan and its significance, helping schools better support their Muslim students.
Maha Elgenaidi, executive director of the Islamic Networks Group, points out that knowledge about Islam and its traditions is essential for schools to effectively accommodate Muslim students. This includes understanding the need for exemptions from certain physical activities during Ramadan and making arrangements for missed tests due to religious observances.
The practice of fasting during Ramadan is not mandatory for young children, but many participate to feel connected to their community and family traditions. Schools are encouraged to be mindful of the changes in Muslim families’ routines during this month, including early morning meals and late-night prayers.
Dr. Aifra Ahmed and her husband have taken an active role in educating their children’s schools about Ramadan, sharing stories and traditions to foster understanding and inclusivity. Such efforts by Muslim families and the welcoming gestures from schools, like offering Ramadan greetings, play a significant role in building a sense of belonging for immigrant families.
In Dearborn, students like Adam Alcodray and Hussein Mortada appreciate the understanding and accommodations provided by their schools during Ramadan. These gestures of support help them and their families observe their faith while maintaining their academic responsibilities.
The significance of Ramadan extends beyond personal observance, as highlighted by the current events in Gaza. For many, it is a time of reflection on the hardships faced by others and an opportunity to pray for peace and solidarity.
Educators like Marian Aden in St. Paul are working to ensure that schools are places where Muslim students can proudly embrace their identity and practices, especially during Ramadan. This commitment to inclusivity and understanding is echoed in communities across the U.S., from Minnesota to Washington, D.C., where families like Abdul Fouzi’s are finding their own ways to observe Ramadan and teach its values to the next generation.
This article was crafted with the support of the Associated Press’s collaboration with The Conversation US, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors.