Students absent on Good Friday won't be penalized by William S. Hart Union High School District.

I wonder why a secular public school district allows a dispensation for a particular religious group? If a student wished not to attend school to observe Beltane this upcoming May 1, would the district not penalize him or her?

Would teachers be asked not to schedule major exams for that day? My guess is no, they would not be asked to make special consideration for those who wish to observe Beltane or any other little-known religion with a minority of followers.

It appears that the school district only changes schedules and rules for popular religions, even though - being a government-run agency - it ought to change them for none.