By By: Alphanso G Kalama
Monrovia, Liberia – The National Muslim Students Association of Liberia (NAMSAL) has expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Education’s academic calendar, which mandates nationwide school closures for Christmas while failing to provide equal recognition for Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr.
In a strongly worded press statement, NAMSAL condemned the imbalance, describing it as a violation of Article 14 of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution, which ensures that no religious group is given preference over another.
“While we respect the rights of our Christian peers to observe their holidays, the continued neglect of Muslim students’ rights is unjust and unacceptable,” said Abrahim M. Dorley, NAMSAL President.
NAMSAL warned that if the government fails to address the issue, they will mobilize Islamic schools to remain open during Christmas breaks as an act of peaceful civil disobedience. They also pledged to organize volunteer instructors for Muslim students in public schools if no formal teaching is provided during this period.
Despite numerous attempts to engage key government officials, including the Minister of Education and the President, NAMSAL claims their concerns have been ignored.
“Liberia is founded on equality and the rule of law. It is essential that all Liberians, regardless of faith, are treated fairly,” the statement read.
NAMSAL called for immediate dialogue with the Ministry of Education to resolve the issue and create an inclusive academic calendar that respects the religious practices of all Liberians.
