Dear County and District Superintendents and Charter School Administrators:

Inclusive Practices to Support All Students’ Cultural Observances, Spring 2025

California’s students, families, and educators represent the exceptional diversity of our great state.

As Californians of many backgrounds prepare for cultural and religious observances in the coming months, the California Department of Education (CDE) would like to make sure that all educators have access to information and resources that support the inclusion of all students and families, as well as compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Title VI protects students from discrimination on the basis of real or perceived race, ethnicity, national origin, or religion.

Below are dates of religious or cultural observances occurring during the spring of 2025 and guidance regarding accommodations that may support observant students’ participation in educational activities.

For all observances, including but not limited to those listed below, CDE encourages educators to ensure inclusive educational environments where students are free from any harassment or bullying on the basis of religious practice, and CDE also encourages educators to be mindful of potential family obligations when scheduling major exams or deadlines.

• Ramadan (Tentatively evening of February 28, 2025–March 30, 2025)
  For most Muslim communities, the date of Ramadan is not set until the sighting of the moon and is therefore tentative. Observant students may be fasting during the school day and may attend prayer events with family in the evenings. Some students may also want to participate in midday prayers, around 1 p.m. Some students may benefit from accommodations at prayer time, and some fasting students may benefit from accommodations during physical education activities. “To-go” options for school lunch are also supportive of families who depend on school meals but may be fasting during the school day.
  
  
• Lent (March 5–April 17)
  Observant students may be fasting or following dietary restrictions during Lent. Students may benefit from nutritional options, and some fasting students may benefit from accommodations during physical education activities. Students may also wear ash on Ash Wednesday and may have family or religious obligations during Holy Week observances such as Palm Sunday and Good Friday.
  
  
• Eid al-Fitr (Tentatively March 30, 2025, date may vary)
  For most Muslim communities, the date of Eid is not set until the sighting of the moon and is therefore tentative. Observant families may celebrate in the evening prior to Eid to break their fast together. Observant families may also attend morning prayers together on the day of Eid and may miss school or work to celebrate together during the day.
  
  
• Passover (Evening of April 12, 2025–April 20, 2025)
  Observant students may be following dietary restrictions during the week of Passover, including avoiding leavened items such as bread and cereal. Observant students may benefit from nutritional options and may be more likely to bring cultural food from home during this week. Observant families may have gatherings on the evenings of April 12 and 13.
  
  
• Easter (April 20, 2025)
Observant students may be celebrating with their family and/or church communities during the day on Sunday, April 20, 2025. This year, Orthodox Easter and Catholic Easter also fall on April 20, 2025.

The CDE encourages all schools and local educational agencies to proactively communicate with educators and staff about the importance of preventing any bullying or discrimination on the basis of students’ real or perceived race, ethnicity, national origin, or religion.

By ensuring that all students feel safe and welcome at school during times of religious or cultural observance, we celebrate the incredible diversity of California and of our local communities across the state.

Sincerely,

Tony Thurmond
State Superintendent of Public Instruction

TT:es