A Texas mother has gone public with an unusual demand that she received from her daughter’s North Texas school district: provide documentation that your family is Jewish.
It all stems from requesting an excused absence for Yom Kippur—something which is done routinely around the world, usually without hassle. The school’s insistence was puzzling to her (with good reason). After sharing her experience with local friends, she found out that other area schools were also asking for proof of Jewish identity for students (none had ever experienced anything like it before this year’s High Holidays).
Since the school’s own handbook states that religious holidays are excused, she confronted the principal, who immediately backed down and offered an apology.
I doubt this was intentional discrimination, but it was definitely insensitive and probably demeaning for those who were affected personally. Outside of metro areas, there is still a lack of awareness and parents need to watch carefully. Definitely not cool!
What constitutes “proof”? Should they start wearing a star? Are we back to the “looking Jewish” nonsense? I am extremely nervous about the creeping antisemitism in this country.
Evidently, they wanted official letters from a rabbi or temple. How crazy is that? I’m also concerned. It’s always two steps forward, 1 step back when it comes to Jewish acceptance and awareness in the mainstream. If someone says they’re Jewish and requests a holiday off, the school shouldn’t give them a hard time.
What about Jews who do not belong to a temple but observe the holidays at home? And if Jewish children have to provide proof, then what about Protestant children and Catholic children? If they don’t have to provide proof, then clearly a case for discrimination exists and appropriate suits should be filed.
No proof should ever be required! You are right about many folks not attending a church or temple. What about more obscure holidays like Kwanza? There’s no way to “prove” someone observes that tradition. Schools needs to be sensitive, aware, and accommodating to every child. We have freedom to worship in this great country for a reason. It is not the school’s choice to limit that or even question it.