FL’s Broward County Schools Makes Diwali An Official Holiday

Photo: cbsnews.

India-West Staff Reporter

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – On December 17, Florida’s Broward County Public Schools, the sixth-largest school system in the US, made a historic decision to officially recognize Diwali as a holiday starting in the 2024-2025 academic year. The unanimous vote by the school board will allow approximately 35,000 students to celebrate the Hindu festival without academic commitments.

To accommodate the new holiday, Broward County will adjust the school day schedule. Middle school students will have their school day extended by 10 minutes, while high school and elementary school schedules will remain unchanged.

The move, celebrated by local leaders and advocates, aims to honor the festival observed by over a billion people, marking the triumph of good over evil. Prior to the vote, community leaders passionately voiced their support for the initiative.

Fareida Rajkumar, a parent and Hindu community advocate who CoHNA said it worked with, expressed her appreciation for the decision, emphasizing that it serves as a reminder to communities that have felt marginalized. She noted that this move promotes understanding and acceptance from an early age, contributing to the creation of a better, more inclusive society.

New York State Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar, who successfully led the push to make Diwali a school holiday in New York City, praised Broward County’s decision. “This is yet another momentous step toward recognizing South Asian culture in the fabric of American society,” she said.