Indiana School Board - I have a question..

[plasticwidow]

We live in Greene County, in Southwest Indiana, my family is Muslim. My daughter who is 9 had been kept out of school for Islamic holidays, 3 to be exact. The particular school does not recognize these to be valid absences and has marked them on her attendance record as unexcused. Meanwhile, the high school which my 15 year old daughter does accept these same days as recognized holidays and has her marked as "excused" on her attendance record.

Why the discrepancy? Anyone have any idea what the real policy is or where I can find it? Who should I address this to as far as getting the issue resolved?

I appreciate everyone's input into this.. I need to find this information before I decide how to handle it. Thank you.

Peace to everyone here!

Jean

[DrGonzoLives]

1. Go to the next school board meeting

Most of the school boards in this state will provide an opportunity at each meeting for residents to address the board, and it may be possible that this is not something that they know about or have thought of, or created a policy for. My guess is that each individual school makes their own decision here, and it may take top-down action for it to be changed.

[thinkingwoman]

2. Those are excused absences

Speak to the principal and demand they be corrected. Say "ACLU" if you get any trouble at all.

You don't need to mess with the school board. Their meeting will steal your IQ points. I should know. I used to cover them for my weekly newspaper.

Anyway, simply demand they be marked as excused. My children missed public school for Jewish holidays and never had any problem. Indiana, as backward as it is, expects absences during religious holidays to be excused.

Good luck.

[bfam9913]

3. I'm curious.

I don't know much about Muslim holidays. Which ones are they and when did they occur? I'm always curious about things like this. How does he local people accept you as a Muslim?

[izzybeans]

4. You should consult with the ICLU if they do not budge.