Assemblywoman Luz Rivas’ Legislation to Ensure an Inclusive School Environment for Fasting Students is Signed into Law

SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 2377, authored by Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (D-San Fernando Valley), to grant accommodations for K-12 students practicing religious fasting during Physical Education (PE) in school.

California prides itself on being one of the nation's most culturally diverse states. Currently, three distinct exemptions exist for students to be excused from PE. The State does not provide accommodations for children practicing religious fasting. While PE is critical for students’ health, well-being, and academic achievement, some require temporary activity modifications due to their spiritual observances.

“Schools often serve students from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, and culturally supportive policies are important to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students. However, students observing religious fasting struggle to meet PE requirements due to reduced food consumption. Extreme weather conditions, like sweltering heat, can exacerbate heat-related risks for students, including headaches and dehydration. The accommodation provided through AB 2377 will allow students of all backgrounds to feel safe, comfortable, and protected in school,” said Assemblywoman Luz Rivas.

“As sponsors of AB 2377, we are thrilled with the bipartisan passage and signing of AB 2377, which will provide much-needed accommodations for students who participate in religious fasting and find themselves struggling in their physical education courses,” stated Fauziya Faruk, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator of the Council on American Islamic Relations, California Chapter (CAIR California). “California is home to many diverse faith-based communities that observe religious fasting but there are currently no guidelines that provide clear alternatives to physical exercise for fasting students. This includes Muslim students who fast every day from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan with no recourse for the difficulty that physical education poses during this month. By allowing fasting students to access alternatives to PE, this bill promotes equity in our schools and recognizes California’s religiously diverse student population.”

“I applaud the Governor for signing AB 2377 and his commitment to an inclusive school environment. I would especially like to thank my staff, Omar Hashemyan, for sharing his experience, which gave life to this bill idea, and CAIR for their sponsorship and advocacy for students from all backgrounds,” concluded Assemblywoman Luz Rivas.

AB 2377 received unanimous bipartisan support throughout the entire legislative process.