Supporting Students Around Good Friday in a Diverse School Community

As school counselors, we’re often at the intersection of cultural sensitivity, student support, and educational guidance. And when it comes to religious holidays—like Good Friday—that intersection can feel especially complex.

In America, a country with deep historical roots in Christianity, Good Friday has long held a place of significance. But as our schools become increasingly diverse, it’s essential that we approach these moments with both awareness and inclusion.

So how do we acknowledge holidays like Good Friday in ways that respect Christian students without alienating others?

Here are some best practices for school counselors to consider:

🙏 1. Understand the Significance — and the Sensitivity

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is a deeply meaningful day for many Christians. For some, it involves church services, fasting, or time for reflection.

But for others—students of different faiths or no faith at all—it may simply be another school day. Recognizing this range of experience is the first step in supporting all students well.

🧠 2. Make Space for Faith—Without Imposing It

As public schools, we are not in the role of promoting religion, but we can support students' rights to express it. Consider:

• Providing quiet spaces for reflection or prayer, if students request it
• Equipping teachers to respond supportively when students choose to share about their beliefs

Acknowledgment doesn't mean endorsement, but it does mean honoring students’ right to be seen.

🌍 3. Encourage Cultural Awareness, Not Exclusivity

Good Friday is one of many significant days throughout the school year. Encourage your school to foster religious literacy, including:

• Adding major holidays from multiple traditions to staff calendars
• Including cultural moments in morning announcements or bulletin boards
• Hosting inclusive discussions around identity, belief, and belonging

When one tradition is acknowledged thoughtfully alongside others, we promote a culture of mutual respect.

🗣️ 4. Equip Staff with Language That Builds Bridges

Sometimes it’s not what we say, but how we say it. Support your teachers and staff with simple phrasing like:

• “Some students are observing Good Friday today. If that’s part of your tradition, I hope it’s a meaningful day for you.”
• “We’re aware that different students have different practices today. If you need support or space, let me know.”

This kind of language signals respect without exclusion.

🧩 5. Celebrate the Common Threads

Whether it’s Good Friday, Passover, Ramadan, or Holi—many sacred holidays share themes of reflection, renewal, and hope. These universal threads give us a chance to build connections across differences.

Help students see that their beliefs matter, and so do their classmates’.

Final Thoughts

Being a school counselor means navigating the tensions between honoring tradition and embracing diversity. It’s not always easy, but it’s deeply meaningful work.

On Good Friday—and every day—we can be voices of compassion, advocates for inclusion, and builders of community.