Petition for Prayer/Meditation Space at Every FCPS Worksite

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Petition for Prayer/Meditation Space at Every FCPS Worksite

FCPS Superintendent Scott Brabrand and the Fairfax County School Board

Example of a meditation space at UVA. (https://csc.virginia.edu/resources/spaces)

FCPS staff including but not limited to: teachers, transportation employees, instructional assistants, specialists, school psychologists, substitutes, and social workers are concerned that the existing policy ensuring adequate areas for staff to offer their daily prayers or meditation during the school day has not been enforced across worksites. While some principals and supervisors are sympathetic and offer a space in their buildings, many others throughout the county refuse to properly address the issue and provide for their spiritually practicing staff, which make up a significant work-force within the school system.

All employees must feel safe and supported on the job, especially when Islamophobic and other anti-religious rhetoric is at a high across FCPS. Northern Virginia is one of the largest and most diverse Metropolitan areas in the country, and the make-up of our work-force is representative of that. It's crucial that the spiritual needs of all are properly met.

Read and sign on to the petition below to tell FCPS leadership that you support this important action!

Sponsored by

Fairfax Education Association

To: FCPS Superintendent Scott Brabrand and the Fairfax County School Board
From: [Your Name]

As FCPS employees, parents, students, and concerned community members, we petition you to:

1. Enact a written policy by July 1, SY 22-23 that is enforceable at all FCPS worksites and ensures:

- A clearly labeled prayer/meditation room or area large enough to accommodate groups of 3-5, that is open throughout the day to staff. This area should be accessible to ALL employees, including transportation workers and any other staff working outside of the building.

- Adult restrooms for employees to make ritual ablutions.

- Enough time (minimum of 10 minutes) for employees to properly offer their prayers or meditation before returning to work.

- Flexibility for employees to perform multiple rituals a day, depending on prayer or meditation times dictated by particular religious observances.

2. Announce this new policy language in a public and accessible domain within the online FCPS employee hub, with resources for anyone with questions or concerns.