Burnsville High School informed students and families Wednesday that its graduation date will remain on June 6 despite religious conflicts among some students and their families.
Community members urged the school board last week to reschedule graduation because it matches Eid al-Adha, one of the two most important holidays in Islam, but one of the most important holidays in Islam will be held as planned for the June 6 ceremony, according to ISD 191 Principal Theresa Battle and BHS Jesús Andoval.
While our goal in planning the academic calendar is to avoid major conflicts, it is not feasible to change graduation dates at this time to avoid these conflicts. Additionally, it is unclear that the addition of a second graduation ceremony will result in many students attending Friday rituals, which will not attend, and they will not attend Friday rituals. ”
The decision was made through a battle in consultation with the school board, which considered “the service of rescheduling photography and live ceremonies and other logistical issues,” Aaron Tinklenberg, the regional communications director, said in an email Thursday.
“It’s disappointing,” Jaylani Hussein, executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the U.S. Council on Islamic Relations, said of the decision, calling it “another unnecessary burden for Muslims.”
Hussein also noted that such scheduling conflicts would only affect a group of older people, as Eid may not fall into the graduation date for more than 30 years. “They were absolutely not required to hold on June 6 (graduation)” he said.
Eid al-Fitr is the second of two most important festivals in Islam, commemorating the sacrifices made by the prophet Ibrahim. Usually a three-day celebration, the date of Eid al-Fitr varies with moon sightings. Islamic Relief Agency, a faith-based development agency, said it is expected to happen from June 6 to June 10 this year.
Muslims celebrate Eid, also known as the “feast of sacrifice” and give gifts and food to the poor through special prayers. Another major festival is Eid al-fitr, which celebrates the end of Ramadan fasting, observed in late March.
Considered the second ceremony
At a listening session ahead of last week’s school board meeting, community members spoke against the program’s graduation date.
“This question is not just 191 ISD 191, it’s about who we are as a community,” said Salma Hussein, principal of Gideon Pond Elementary School in Burnsville. “Rescheduling graduation to identify Eid has conveyed a powerful message that every student is important.”
Tinchlenberg said Burnsville’s June 6 graduation date has been set for nearly two years, noting that the district does not track the religious identity of students.
Tinklenberg said the region heard news about Muslim students and families “who prefers us to continue graduating on June 6.”
Tinklemberg said whether seniors in Burnsville are more likely to attend graduation if a second awards ceremony is planned on Monday, June 2. Of about 200 responses, 76% said they were more likely to participate on June 6 and 12% said on June 2.
According to a 2023 State Department report, ISD 191 serves about 8,000 students, with 14% of whom speak at home Somalia.
Eden Prairie rescheduled
Burnsville is not the first school to hear this particular concern.
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Eden Prairie Local News, which was scheduled to graduate on June 7, reconsidered the report by Eden Prairie Local News after hearing similar concerns, also noting that an estimated 20% of Eden Prairie high school students are Muslims.
According to the school, Eden Prairie rescheduled the June 4 ceremony after sending three alternative dates, which was chosen by 84% of the elderly.
“As we create a calendar of the future, the region will continue to solicit comments from a variety of sources with the aim of supporting students to provide equitable access and high participation in regular schooling and major events such as graduation,” the Burnsville Family’s note said.
