13 March 2023 Upcoming Spring Religious Holidays

13 March 2023

Dear campus community, 

We are coming up on a Spring season when our colleagues and friends from a variety of cultural communities and faiths will gather to share traditions, celebrations, and connect for deep reflection. For Muslims, Ramadan will begin the evening of March 22nd and conclude the evening of April 21st and the observance of Eid al-Fitr on April 22nd. Many Muslims in our community will be fasting during this time and changes in sleeping, eating, and physical activity levels may be affected. For Jewish community members, observance of Passover begins the evening of April 5th and continues through the evening of April 13th. Many Christians are currently observing Lent which culminates with Easter on April 9th. Across these observances, usual schedules are likely to be impacted throughout the day and into the evening. 

Students and employees have already engaged in cultural and religious observations and will continue through the Spring semester. While there is a convergence of several of these practices during this time of year, this is a reminder to navigate and negotiate with each other with kindness and thoughtfulness as we move through these cultural and religious observances throughout the year. Please keep in mind that modern schedules may shape the timing of celebrations and get-togethers. Faculty and students specifically can refer to University Policy S14-7, Accommodation to Students’ Religious Holidays [pdf] for guidance. Employees can refer to the University Personnel page on Vacation and Personal Holidays. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the MOSAIC Cross-Cultural Center post additional information throughout the year on social media. Whether one participates or not in any of these religious observances, we should be respectful of those whose beliefs and practices may differ from our own. 

Thank you for all that you do in creating a community at SJSU where fellow Spartans have a sense of belonging at SJSU. 

Sincerely, 

Patience D. Bryant, Ph.D. 
Interim Deputy Diversity Officer 
Director of Black and African American Equity 
Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion