I’m disappointed with the lack of reasonable, inclusive consideration in the Lewiston School Committee’s recent Jewish holidays position reversal.

While I appreciate differing points of view, I feel the vote left too much unresolved — and more could be done. Rather than criticize the leadership, I propose that the committee should support creation of a clearly written document which outlines:

· No student or staff member shall be discriminated against for their absence while in observance of significant, reasonably-recognized religious holidays.

· No testing or other similar functions shall be scheduled or conducted on significant, reasonably-recognized religious holidays.

· No academic or extracurricular team tryouts or qualifying events shall be scheduled on significant, reasonably-recognized religious holidays.

· No administrator, teacher, coach, counselor or other staff member shall penalize or marginalize anyone (student or staff) for their absence while in observance of significant, reasonably-recognized religious holidays.

· No reasonable accommodation shall be withheld from anyone seeking to make up or access anything shared or that occurred during their absence while in observance of significant, reasonably-recognized religious holidays.

To enhance clarity, this document should be accompanied by a calendar detailing the year’s significant, reasonably-recognized religious holidays (many non-Christian holidays are lunar-based dates, which change in relationship to the Gregorian calendar). This annually updated holiday calendar should be shared with the entire school community.

I’ll not weigh in on whether this should obviate the “need” for days off for those who celebrate any other holidays — and simply seek to provide reasonable recognition, consideration, and inclusion for all.

Scott Nussinow, Auburn, formerly of Lewiston