At American University, one of the ways we can support inclusive excellence is by ensuring community members are able to observe the holidays and significant days of their religious and cultural traditions.

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins at sundown on Friday, February 28 and ends on Sunday, March 30, though exact dates may vary. During this month, many Muslim community members will not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset and observe additional times of prayer in the morning and evening. At the end of Ramadan, the holiday of Eid-al-Fitr is celebrated over one to three days. Each person engages their religious life and the challenges of fasting differently and some may seek allowances for their observance of the month of Ramadan. These allowances may include:

• Adjustments or shifts to exam times to accommodate a meal after sundown
• Consumption of food in class during the fast-breaking periods
• Breaks from class to observe the times of prayer

If appropriate, professors may consider taking a short break for classes occurring at sunset so that observant community members can eat and pray. A list of campus-wide resources, including more information for faculty and locations for prayer and breaking fast, can be found on the Kay Spiritual Life Center website.

Many other religious communities will keep significant holidays and observances throughout the remainder of the semester as well. These significant days may also include fasting, additional acts of devotion, and/or cessation of regular activities. We encourage you to support our community members in each of these observances. Please review the list of major religious and cultural holidays that are likely to be observed and for which a community member may need an allowance.

Additional details for students observing religious and/or cultural holidays are provided on the Kay Spiritual Life Center website. Suggested language for inclusion on course syllabi is available on the CTRL Faculty Resources webpage. Further information for observant faculty and staff is found in the Procedures for Employees Requesting Religious Accommodations.

Students may contact the Office of the University Chaplain at kslc@american.edu with any questions, while faculty and staff should be in touch with HR employee relations at employeerelations@american.edu.

Thank you for your thoughtful care and attention to the religious and spiritual needs of our wider community.