WHEREAS, Muslim students are currently observing the month of Ramadan, the holiest time in the Islamic calendar during which Muslims across the world and the country abstain from any food or drink from dawn to dusk every day; and

WHEREAS, fasting students wake up at 3:30 a.m., or earlier, every morning to have a meal, begin their fast, offer prayer and try to rest for a few short minutes before getting back up and ready for the school day; and

WHEREAS, this year, Ramadan coincides with one of the most stressful times of the academic year and during a time of year when days are longer and nights are shorter; and

WHEREAS, fasting may negatively affect a student’s academic performance; and

WHEREAS, introducing accommodations to fasting students would demonstrate respect for the diverse religious practices of our students; and

WHEREAS, moving the testing window to the afternoon, so students can get sufficient rest before sitting for the NYSESLAT, Regents Exams, and other high stakes state assessments required for promotion and/or graduation would help students achieve; be it therefore

RESOLVED, the UFT will work with NYSED and the DOE to identify appropriate modifications and supports for observant students and staff when school and state testing days that coincide with Ramadan.