SPRINGFIELD — To assist schools in scheduling major school or athletic events, State Senator Ram Villivalam is sponsoring a measure that would require the Illinois State Board of Education to provide calendar dates indicating when a portion of students may be absent due to cultural or religious reasons.

“Our communities are diverse, which means there are numerous days throughout the academic year where different students may be absent for cultural or religious reasons,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Yet students are having to make challenging decisions such as having to miss a sporting event because it was scheduled on a religious or cultural holiday.”

Currently, the Illinois State Board of Education provides a guide for school districts regarding attendance days, holidays, special circumstances and frequently asked questions about school calendars.

Senate Bill 1616 would require ISBE to include on its website a list of days during the school year that a portion of the student body may be absent due to cultural or religious reasons. This measure would not allow for closures or excused absences due to cultural reasons but would assist school districts with planning events around these observances.

“Providing schools, administrators and athletic associations with a list of dates indicating when portions of a student body may be absent will ensure better planning,” said Villivalam.  

Senate Bill 1616 passed the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday and heads to the Senate for further deliberation.