When Catholic immigrants came to the United States, they built their own schools and churches so they could be free to practice their own religion and holy day observances without interference. They did not have to follow the rules of the public schools except for educational curriculum.

The Catholics paid tuition, rent of textbooks, bought their own school supplies and paid for their workbooks. More school days were added when there was time taken for various holy day celebrations (to make sure all school days were fulfilled).

So, instead of having public schools change rules for the Somali community, the Somalis should build their own schools, hire their own bilingual teachers and, thus, would be able to have their own prayer time and religious observances, just as we French Canadians did.

Gabrielle De Moras, Lewiston