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April 14, 2022, 11:49 p.m.

Schools struggle to accommodate the religious needs of Muslim students during Ramadan

Summary

The month marks the holy month of Ramadan, a time of fasting and prayer for millions of Muslims in the United States. But it can also bring challenges for students and parents trying to navigate school and religious observance. NewsHour’s Roby Chavez, who has been reporting on this topic from New Orleans, joins Amna Nawaz to discuss.

Five Facts

  • When is Ramadan, and how is it marked by Muslims around the world?
  • What are some Muslim parents in Louisiana asking the state to consider?
  • Why are these accommodations important, according to those requesting them?
  • How has Louisiana responded to requests for accommodations?
  • Where in the U.S. are some Muslim students finding accommodations for Ramadan?

Focus Questions

What do you think is the best way to make space for students' religious observance while respecting the First Amendment? Media literacy: Who else would you want to hear from to better understand the practice of religion in public schools?

For More

Student Reporting Labs is seeking video diaries and/or interviews with Muslim students to explore how schools and teachers accommodate fasting students, and what can be done better.

Go HERE to complete the assignment.

For more on Muslim students on Louisiana who want better accommodations in schools, click here .
Muslim students in Harford County, Maryland, pray the first Friday prayer together inside a classroom during a Ramadan observance. Photo by Zainab Chaudry/CAIR

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