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Austin ISD Faces Backlash Over Removing Good Friday Holiday
Parents and religious groups call for reinstatement of Good Friday school holiday
Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:02am
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The Austin Independent School District (Austin ISD) is facing criticism from parents and religious groups after removing Good Friday as a student and staff holiday. Instead, the district has renamed the March 31 holiday as Dolores Huerta Day, drawing concerns that the move is a "political" decision that ignores the religious significance of Good Friday for Christian families.
Why it matters
The decision to remove Good Friday as a school holiday has sparked outrage among Christian families who view it as an attack on their religious freedom. Critics argue that Austin ISD is prioritizing political messaging over accommodating the religious observances of its diverse student population.
The details
In an email to parents, Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura stated that the school board will vote on changes to the calendar at the March 26 meeting. The district has faced pressure to reinstate Good Friday after the City of Austin cancelled Cesar Chavez Day events and the Texas governor said the state would not observe the holiday. However, Austin ISD has opted to rename the March 31 holiday to Dolores Huerta Day instead of bringing back Good Friday.
- The Austin ISD school board meeting is scheduled for March 26, 2026 at 6 p.m.
- Good Friday is observed on April 3, 2026.
The players
Matias Segura
The superintendent of Austin Independent School District.
Texas Values
A conservative Christian advocacy group that has criticized Austin ISD's decision and is urging parents to testify at the school board meeting.
Dolores Huerta
A civil rights activist who co-founded the National Farmworkers Association with Cesar Chavez. Austin ISD has renamed the March 31 holiday to Dolores Huerta Day.
What they’re saying
“Shifting the focus to her work while ignoring Christianity is a clear political move by the school district.”
— Texas Values
“We cannot fight these battles without your continued financial support! Please donate TODAY to help us save Good Friday!”
— Texas Values
What’s next
The Austin ISD school board will vote on changes to the calendar at the March 26 meeting. Parents and religious groups are urging the board to reinstate Good Friday as a student and staff holiday.
The takeaway
This controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between religious freedom and political/cultural priorities in public education. The decision by Austin ISD to remove Good Friday as a school holiday has angered many Christian families who view it as an attack on their faith, underscoring the need for school districts to balance the diverse needs of their student populations.
