I am writing to share my thoughts about the Lewiston’s School Committee’s vote to remove Jewish holidays from the school year calendar.

The committee must weigh many factors when making all decisions. Votes often cause some dissent; this is a democracy. However, it does not necessarily mean that members of the committee do not understand and give value to both sides of the proposal.

It is easy to misunderstand this decision and feel that it somehow negates the progress being made for equity in our community. Current policy does allow excused absences to students celebrating holidays of their faith. The committee heard that it was challenging for both parents and students to have the school year start with two three-day weeks and one four-day week.

Also discussed was the Maine law requiring 175 days, and that each holiday with no school extends the school year further into the heat of June, unpopular with both students and teachers.

I like the school calendar for RSU 2, which lists many religious and cultural holidays, acknowledging their importance, but not necessarily making them school holidays. It includes Diwali, Buddha Day, the Eastern Orthodox Easter, Janmashtami, Holi, as well as Christian, Muslim, and Jewish holidays when school is in session.

It is hard to reverse policy. Let’s not jump to view this vote as anti-Semitic. Rather, let’s continue classroom discussions about all holidays. Let’s provide opportunities for learning about and respecting differences. Let’s not think that true equity is as simple as granting school holidays.

Marcia Baxter, Lewiston