WAKE COUNTY, N.C. -- A group of Muslim leaders in Wake County are asking for more days off from school so their kids can take part in faith-based holidays.
- Parents say there's a constant struggle each spring to figure out what to put first: their studies or their faith.
- The two most important Muslim holidays are Eid Ul Fitr and Eid Ul Adha
- The school district says they are aware of the online petition going around
Mariya Shaikh has three kids who go to Wake County schools. She says they're studious and take rigorous courses. She says she's proud of them, but there's a constant struggle each spring to figure out what to put first: their studies or their faith.
"It is difficult for them to miss school. Some schools give excused absences but still school is in session so kids are missing instructional time," Shaikh said.
The two most important Muslim holidays are Eid Ul Fitr, which celebrates the end of Ramadan, and Eid Ul Adha, which marks the beginning of the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Former Wake County students say this is a big celebration they never want to miss out on.
"I like celebrating with my family, I like doing things with my friends, I like dressing up. I think anyone would want to resonate with the fact that you want to celebrate a holiday," said Zainab Baloch.
The school district says they are aware of the online petition going around, which as of 10 p.m. Monday had more than 3,700 signatures. They are working to see if Shaikh can serve on a committee to plan the 2020-2021 school year calendar.
You can find that petition here.