California School Will Not Excuse Absence For Ash Wednesday Service

In Bakersfield, California, parent Nona Darling is complaining to school authorities about policies that make it difficult for children to miss school for religious holidays. Darling wanted to take her children out of school at noon on Ash Wednesday to attend services. However, the school said that if she did, the children would be given an "unexcused" absence. The Bakersfield Californian yesterday said it is not clear to what extent the school's policy, that gives excused absences for doctor's appointments, sickness, and funerals, but only in limited situations for religious observances, reflects the state's education code.