As it currently stands, come June 6, some Burnsville students could have to choose between attending their own graduation ceremony or celebrating a sacred Islamic holiday.
Students, families and community organizers are planning to attend the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School Board meeting on Thursday to urge the school district to reschedule the 2025 graduation ceremony, which currently coincides with Eid al-Adha, according to an advisory from the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
“The current graduation schedule places Muslim students and families in an untenable position — forcing them to choose between a religious obligation and celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime academic milestone,” MN-CAIR said.
Eid al-Adha, the second of the two most important festivals in Islam, commemorates the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim. Generally a three-day celebration, the dates of Eid al-Adha vary based on moon sightings. This year it is expected to occur June 6 to June 10, according to Islamic Relief Worldwide, a faith-based development agency.
Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice,” with special prayers and by giving gifts and food to the poor.
ISD 191 is not the first to hear this particular request.
Eden Prairie Schools originally scheduled its graduation for June 7, but reconsidered after hearing similar concerns, as reported by Eden Prairie Local News, which also noted that an estimated 20% of Eden Prairie’s high school students are Muslim.
After sending out three alternate dates, Eden Prairie rescheduled its ceremony to June 4, which was chosen by 84% of seniors, according to the school.
The Burnsville public meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Diamondhead Education Center at 200 W. Burnsville Parkway. The school board meeting is expected to start at 6:30 p.m.
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