Dear Campus Community,
We are on a shared mission to become an antiracism and inclusive campus, one that supports the sense of belonging for all campus groups. It is important, therefore, to acknowledge our Muslim community and their observance of Ramadan.
Ramadan, celebrated by Muslims all over the world, is a special and significant time of fasting, reflection, and prayer from sunrise to sunset. This year Ramadan is observed from March 10 to April 9. Based on the Islamic Lunar calendar, each year the specific dates for observing Ramadan depend on the sighting of the new moon. Fasting consists of abstaining from consuming any food or drink during the daylight hours. Iftar is the practice of breaking one’s fast every evening. The end of Ramadan is marked by the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, which is a community-based service filled with food, friendship, family, and conversation.
As an educated and compassionate campus, we recognize that fasting may impact our students in different ways. One way that the campus community may demonstrate understanding and support during this time for Muslim students, staff, and faculty is to remain open to providing accommodations upon request for Ramadan. Our efforts in this regard are supported by California State Education Code, 392.4.4, specifically section 89320 which states clearly:
The Trustees of the California State University shall require each state university, in administering any test or examination, to permit any student who is eligible to undergo the test or examination to do so, without penalty, at a time when that activity would not violate the student's religious creed.
Students should make their religious accommodation requests known to their professors as soon as possible.
Learning about the rich cultures and diverse practices of different groups on our campus is a healthy part of being a community. We want to continue to work to make Our Sacramento State feel like a home for us all.
In partnership,
Dr. Mia Settles-Tidwell
Vice President for Inclusive Excellence and University Diversity Officer