The California chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today celebrated Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent enactment of Assembly Bill (AB) 2377. The bill, sponsored by CAIR-CA and co-sponsored by the Church State Council, ensures students’ right to observe religious fasting.
Authored by Assemblymember Luz Rivas, AB 2377 will create a statewide policy ensuring K-12 students observing religious fasting are given appropriate accommodations during physical education (PE) classes by offering them a modified exercise regimen or providing them academic assignments related to the course.
Many faith groups observe religious fasting throughout the year, including the Muslim, Jewish, and Christian communities. Students fasting often find themselves struggling to exercise during their PE courses, especially during longer fasting periods, such as Ramadan or Yom Kippur. AB 2377 would ensure students receive credit for their PE course while supporting their physical and mental wellbeing during fasting periods.
In a statement, CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush said:
“We are thrilled with the bipartisan passage and signing of AB 2377—this is a vital step in supporting students who observe religious fasting and face challenges in their PE classes. California is home to many diverse faith-based communities that observe fasting, yet until now, there have been no clear guidelines for alternatives to physical exercise for fasting students.
“This is especially important for Muslim students, who fast from break of dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan, and often struggle with the physical demands of their PE courses during this time. By providing much-needed alternatives to traditional PE for fasting students, AB 2377 recognizes California’s diverse students and builds a learning environment rooted in equity.”