America was founded by Christians and theists who appealed to the Bible as they created what would become the greatest country in the world, but America is not, never was, and never will be a “Christian” nation. We live in a pluralistic society where people are free to worship golden calves if they desire.
Given the principle of freedom of religion, it’s only a matter of time before more Americans who practice Islam insist that their religious holidays days be recognized, just as Christian and Jewish holidays are recognized.
Muslims in Baltimore County, Maryland, have gone so far as to demand that Muslim holidays be added to the school calendar. After the request was rejected, they called for the removal of Jewish holidays.
Someone not affiliated with the school said the cost of using substitutes for absent Jewish teachers is high, so students get those days off, too. [Clarification: I assume kids get those days off. Don't quote that until I check it.] When acquiring substitutes for Muslim teachers becomes “too costly,” the school board may reconsider. That’s logical. But I don’t like it.
[Update: Commenter Christine says: "I grew up in Montgomery County Maryland, and yes we did (and the kids still do– at the moment) get Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur off...We’re one of the few school systems in the country that does this."]
I don’t like the idea of government schools in America observing the holidays of a religion I believe is incompatible with the very principles that allow its adherents in America to worship their god in peace. It’s a strange and twisted irony. Islamic governments would balk at such notions as “worship their god in peace.” Again, it’s ironic. 
For discussion:
1) The government recognizes and observes certain “Christian” and Jewish holidays. Should it recognize and observe Muslim holidays where economically feasible? Why or why not?
2) Would it lead to a “slippery slope?”
Sources and Resources:
- Baltimore County rejects Muslim holidays
- What Would the Founders Do Today?
- Recognizing Muslim Holidays
- School board bans religious holidays
