On December 17, Broward County Public Schools, the sixth-largest school district in the United States, made a groundbreaking decision to officially recognize Diwali as a holiday beginning in the 2024-2025 academic year. The school board’s unanimous vote will enable approximately 35,000 students to observe the Hindu festival without the burden of academic obligations.
To implement this new holiday, adjustments will be made to the school day schedule in Broward County. Middle school students will experience a 10-minute extension to their school day, while the schedules for high school and elementary school students will remain unchanged.
This initiative has been met with enthusiasm from local leaders and advocates, as it seeks to honor a festival celebrated by over a billion individuals, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Prior to the vote, community leaders expressed strong support for the initiative. Fareida Rajkumar, a parent and advocate for the Hindu community, expressed gratitude for the decision, highlighting its significance for communities that have felt marginalized. She emphasized that this action fosters understanding and acceptance from a young age, thereby contributing to a more inclusive society. New York State Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar, who played a pivotal role in establishing Diwali as a school holiday in New York City, commended Broward County’s decision, stating that it represents another significant step toward acknowledging South Asian culture within the broader American society.
