According to CAIR-MN, at least two other Minnesota schools have changed their graduation dates to accommodate the holiday.
BURNSVILLE, Minn. — Some Burnsville High School parents are advocating for the school to change its graduation ceremony date because it coincides with a major Muslim holiday. The district scheduled the ceremony for June 6, which coincides with Eid Al-Adha—one of only two holidays Muslims celebrate.
According to Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 Communications Director Aaron Tinklenberg, the school calendar was created by a committee almost two years in advance. Eid dates vary slightly every year because Muslim holidays are based on a lunar calendar.
On March 28, superintendent Dr. Theresa Battle sent an email to Burnsville High School families stating that her team is aware of concerns expressed around the date of graduation as it relates to Eid Al-Adha.
"As with any needs shared by members of our community, we take these concerns very seriously," Battle wrote in the email.
The district has been in contact with local Muslim community leaders, she added. "Following those conversations, we are continuing with plans to hold graduation on Friday, June 6th at 6 p.m. at Burnsville High School Pates Stadium. We are committed to working with each and every student and family to help make sure all can participate," Battle wrote in the same email.
On April 9, Battle and Burnsville High School Principal Jesús Sandoval sent an email to seniors and their families stating that the school is considering the possibility of offering two graduation ceremonies in order to make the experience "accessible for as many students and families as possible." Seniors were asked if they were more likely to attend a ceremony on June 2 or June 6.
The email also said the June 6 ceremony date will not change, and that the survey is an indication of how many seniors would benefit from the option of a second ceremony. "With the input of students, we will continue to review the possibility of offering two ceremonies and expect to have a finalized plan no later than April 23," the email stated.
On Thursday, a handful of parents attended the district's listening session ahead of the school board meeting to advocate for the school to change the graduation date, saying no parent should have to choose between a sacred religious holiday and the celebration of a major milestone in their child's life. Superintendent Battle and board members Abigail Alt and Anna Werb presided over the listening session.
"This issue isn't just about ISD191," Salma Hussein, who is the principal at Gideon Pond Elementary School, said. "It's about who we are as a community. Rescheduling graduation to recognize Eid sends a powerful message: every student matters."
Tone Waters, a Burnsville parent who is not Muslim, also advocated for the change.
"As a Christian, our school calendar fits my worship practices perfectly, and it always has," she said. "If our district claims to be a culturally proficient, inclusive partner in our mission and value statements, then it should honor the major worship dates for all religions."
According to Minnesota's chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN), at least two other Minnesota high schools have changed their graduation dates to accommodate the holiday, including Eden Prairie and Brooklyn Center.
"Any sort of middle ground approach by the school district, I know would be welcomed by the families," CAIR-MN Deputy Executive Director Suleiman Adan said. "Having families and students having to determine, 'Do I go to graduation or do I cut my Eid festivities short?' A contention like that should not be happening."
Burnsville resident Ron McCarthy was the only person who spoke against changing the date during the listening session. "There's a number of neighbors that have vacations planned and that kind of thing," he said. "Changing the date would definitely affect them, you know, both financially and recreation-wise."
More than 500 seniors attend Burnsville High School, according to Tinklenberg. The district does not track students' religious affiliations.