Resource Center
How To Request a Religious Accommodation for Ramadan and Eid
This year, Ramadan will begin on or around Friday, Feb. 28. As we quickly approach this blessed month, we want to ensure that our community is fully prepared.
In order to help avoid challenges and focus on growing your faith this Ramadan, CAIR-CA has created downloadable letter templates* to assist you in requesting religious accommodation at work or school.
Please share these letters with your family and friends to ensure they, too, can benefit.
Protecting Your Rights At School
Two CAIR-CA-sponsored bills were recently passed that protect the rights of American Muslim students during the month of Ramadan:
- AB 2377 (“P.E. Bill”): Protects the rights of K-12 students who are fasting, allowing them to be excused from physical activity upon submission of written notification while still receiving physical education (P.E.) credit.
- AB 1503: Amends the Education Code to allow students to take up to eight hours (one full day) off per semester to observe religious holidays, such as Eid, without academic penalty.
WHAT IS REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION?
A reasonable accommodation is one that eliminates the employee’s conflict between his or her religious practices and work requirements, and that does not cause undue hardship for the employer. This means that the employer cannot unequivocally refuse to make a religious accommodation, but rather, the employer must engage in a good-faith interactive process to resolve the conflict between your religious needs and the job’s requirements.
WHAT IF MY REQUEST GETS DENIED?
Federal and state laws generally protect a Muslim’s right to practice religion at work and at school. However, this right is not absolute and depends on several factors. Although your school/employer is generally required to provide reasonable accommodations, you may not receive the exact accommodation you are requesting.
They may even deny the request altogether. If either of these things happen make sure to contact your local CAIR office. They can provide you with additional support so that you can take full advantage of this holy month, insha’Allah.