When Diwali was grouped in with Halloween for a no HTPQ evening, it seemed like fortunate timing but perhaps a little minimizing. But after a no homework night was given on the wrong day for Lunar New Year, the problem became a pattern.
As you may recall, Dr. Price gave the entire school a no homework night on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, per tradition. What you may not know is, behind the scenes, members of the South Asian Student Association (SASA) advocated for a no homework night for Diwali, a widely-celebrated religious holiday. After yearsofeffort,theschool’sadministration agreed Diwali was worthy of a night off. As a result, Diwali was lumped together into Halloween’s no homework holiday. If this seemed like a happy coincidence, examine it closer.
Diwali is one of the most important holidays in Hinduism and many other religions. Yet, the no homework night
announcement failed to acknowledge the event, making it seem like Diwali only happened to fall on a no HTPQ night. Although an acknowledgment doesn’t seem like much, it’s small actions that help build an environment of inclusion and multiculturalism.
If the administration realized their mistake with Diwali, they did not learn from it. Lunar New Year fell on Wednesday, Jan. 29 in the Gregorian calendar, and to celebrate, the Upper School held a no homework night on the 29th.
So, why is this a problem? While the New Year falls on Wednesday, Lunar New Year is typically celebrated the night before, just like New Year’s Eve. A more beneficial night off would have been Tuesday,Jan.28.
This oversight conveys the idea that
the school does not genuinely care about these two holidays. A no homework evening is supposed to alleviate student workloads to allow more time for celebration. These holidays also create opportunities for cultural exchange and appreciation. Instead, the homework- free night seemed more like a checked- box, conveying recognition without appreciation or meaning.
Expanding no homework holidays is absolutely a step in the right direction. We applaud the school’s efforts to be more inclusive. However, not acknowledging a holiday or selecting the wrong night demonstrates a lack of respect.
If the school can figure out the correct dates and properly announce restrictions on homework for the Jewish High Holidays in the fall, they should be able to do the same for other religions. Thisyearwasagoodstart,butwecando better.
Also, no homework nights are not sufficiently communicated. It is unclear where the communication lapse occurs, but students should not have to remind teachers in their classes. Teachers who are unaware or have forgotten then have to rework their syllabus, which can mean a larger workload down the line.
The school needs to improve communication about no homework evenings and do the due diligence—which wouldn’t take very long—to make sure they are properly accommodating these holidays. Ifweprideourselvesoninclusion,belonging, and diversity, we must treat all religious holidays with the respect and attention they deserve.
