Monrovia, Liberia – The National Muslim Students Association of Liberia (NAMSAL) has announced plans to mobilize Islamic schools to remain operational during the upcoming Christmas break in protest against what it describes as unequal treatment of Muslim students in the country’s education system.
This peaceful act of civil disobedience, according to NAMSAL, aims to highlight the Ministry of Education’s failure to accommodate Muslim students during key Islamic celebrations, such as Eid al-Adha (Abraham Day) and Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan Day), while mandating a 10-day closure for Christmas.
In a statement signed by NAMSAL President Abrahim M. Dorley, the association decried the imbalance as both unfair and unconstitutional. “While Christian students enjoy a mandated holiday for Christmas, Muslim students are left without similar recognition for their pivotal celebrations, in violation of Article 14 of the 1986 Constitution, which guarantees religious equality,” the statement said.
Background and Unaddressed Appeals
NAMSAL revealed that multiple appeals to the Minister of Education, the Speaker of the House, and the President to address this issue have gone unanswered. Despite their efforts, no measures have been taken to ensure parity in the academic calendar for all students, regardless of religious affiliation.
In addition to keeping Islamic schools open during the Christmas break, NAMSAL has urged public schools to provide teaching staff for Muslim students who opt out of the holiday. The association has also pledged to coordinate volunteer teachers if necessary.
“This is not about disrupting the education system but about promoting fairness and inclusion,” Dorley emphasized.
While taking a firm stance, NAMSAL remains open to dialogue with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to find a lasting solution.
“Our aim is to foster an academic environment that respects and accommodates all religious beliefs equally,” the statement concluded.
The Ministry of Education has yet to respond to NAMSAL’s planned actions or address their concerns.
