Austin ISD Refuses to Acknowledge Good Friday

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Despite requests from Texas Values and persistent parents, Austin Independent School District has refused to add Good Friday as a student holiday on its academic calendar. The district has instead opted to give students a day off earlier in the week to observe Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, sparking concerns over the lack of religious accommodation.

Why it matters

This decision by Austin ISD highlights the ongoing tensions between secular and religious observances in public schools. While the district claims a small task force deliberated the calendar, critics argue there was limited opportunity for broader public input, raising questions about the decision-making process.

The details

Last year, Texas Values sent a letter to Austin ISD asking the district to add Good Friday as a student holiday. However, Austin ISD doubled down on its decision to honor Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta instead, stating that a small 30-40 person task force made the recommendation that was later approved by the school board. Despite persistent requests from parents, the district has maintained its stance and not added Good Friday to the calendar.

• In October 2025, Texas Values sent a letter to Austin ISD requesting Good Friday be added as a student holiday.
• Austin ISD approved the current calendar that observes Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta instead of Good Friday.

What’s next

Texas Education Code 25.087 allows students to be excused to observe religious holy days, so parents in Austin ISD can still have their children observe Good Friday.