I agree with Caitlin O'Malley's column, "Holy Days shouldn't be filled with exams," (April 5) and empathize with her for wanting to celebrate Good Friday without worrying about missed assignments or classes. As a Jewish student, I often have felt that despite the university's policy for respecting religious observances, several professors fail to acknowledge or show consideration for students celebrating the Jewish holidays. O'Malley mentions Passover, but that is only one example. For the past two years, Yom Kippur, the holiest Jewish holiday, has fallen during the school week. While I certainly don't expect classes to be canceled at a public university, I do expect professors to be respectful and accommodating. Unfortunately, my expectations often fall short.

For the past two years, I have juggled Yom Kippur services and classes, all the while fasting in observance of the holiday. I imagine that students of other religious backgrounds have encountered similar difficulties in balancing their academic responsibilities and religious traditions. Hopefully, the university will make greater efforts to honor all religious observances in the future.