(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 4/8/25) – On Thursday, April 10, the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) will join Burnsville students, families, and community organizers at the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School Board meeting to urge the district to reschedule its 2025 graduation ceremony currently set to fall on Eid al-Adha, one of the most sacred holidays in the Islamic faith.
Eid al-Adha is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, June 6, 2025, and is marked by communal prayers, family gatherings, and acts of worship and charity. 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.
This urgent public meeting will highlight the call for school leaders to follow through on their stated values of equity and inclusion by adjusting the graduation date. Community members have made repeated outreach efforts, including official letters and direct communication with school officials. Families organizing around this issue are also in contact with CAIR-MN, which is supporting their efforts to seek a resolution.
In recent months, several districts in Minnesota have adjusted their graduation dates in response to similar concerns. Eden Prairie Schools reversed their decision and rescheduled their ceremony, citing community input and a commitment to inclusivity Brooklyn Center High School, led by Superintendent Dr. Carly Baker, also changed its date to avoid a conflict with Eid al-Adha. CAIR MN commends the commitment to equity and inclusion by the leaders of these school districts.
SEE: Eden Prairie changes graduation date, citing community demand https://www.eplocalnews.org/2025/02/02/eden-prairie-changes-graduation-date-citing-community-demand/
WHAT: Burnsville Families Urge School Board to Reschedule Graduation Falling on Eid al-Adha
WHEN: Thursday, April 10, 5:30 p.m. (CT)
WHERE: Diamondhead Education Center, 200 W Burnsville Pkwy, Burnsville, MN 55337
CONTACT:
Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director, CAIR-MN, 612-406-0070, jhussein@cair.com
Suleiman Adan, Deputy Director, CAIR-MN, 612-408-7183, sadan@cair.com
Speakers will include Burnsville parents, students, and community members directly impacted by the scheduling conflict, along with CAIR-MN leadership and equity advocates urging the school district to act with inclusion and cultural competency.
CAIR-MN’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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