Take ACTION by contacting your State Legislators and encouraging them to vote for AB 1763 to ensure students can receive excused absences for religious holidays and ceremonies.
- Find your California Assembly Member and Senator!
Sample script:
Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I’m calling as a member of the Jewish Center for Justice in zip code [your zip code].
I am urging [name of representative] to vote for AB 1763, because it would allow students to have an excused absence when they miss school to observe a religious holiday or ceremony. Right now, students do not automatically receive an excused absence for religious holidays, and families often have to submit a request form and go through extra steps for their absence to be approved.This bill is important because students should not have to face extra barriers when practicing their faith, especially when absences for other important reasons, such as mental health needs, are already recognized. If AB 1763 passes, it would make school policies more fair and ensure that students of all faiths can observe important religious traditions without worrying about being punished.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
AB 1763 would:
- Allow students to receive excused absences for religious holidays and ceremonies.
- Make school attendance policies more fair for students of all faiths.
- Remove unnecessary barriers for families requesting religious accommodations.
Why is JCJ advocating for religious freedom in schools?
The Jewish Center for Justice believes that students should be able to practice their faith without facing unnecessary barriers or penalties. Guided by the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, the responsibility to help create a more just and fair world, we support AB 1763 because it promotes fairness and respect for students of all faiths while allowing them to honor their religious traditions.
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