Public Employee Press

Recognition of Muslim community
Union applauds new Muslim school holidays

New York City public schools will close in observance of two of the most important Muslim holidays starting in the 2015-16 school year.

Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña announced the additions of Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr as school holidays to the academic calendar on March 4 at PS/IS 30 in Brooklyn.

"The over 100,000 Muslim students in public schools no longer have to choose between a day of essential classroom studies and celebrating with their families and community on these holidays," said DC 37 Treasurer Maf Misbah Uddin, a longtime active advocate for the change.

"As a whole, these two Eid holidays are the most joyous occasions, similar to Christmas," Uddin said in testimony at a City Council hearing on the subject in 2008.

De Blasio pledged in his campaign for mayor to change the school calendar with Muslim families in mind. "This is a common sense change, and one that recognizes our growing Muslim community and honors its contributions to our city," de Blasio said.

"The mayor and the chancellor are to be commended for their leadership in ensuring that all families, including the hardworking members of DC 37, may worship their most holy of holidays without having to sacrifice their traditions or their children's education," said DC 37 Executive Director .

— Joe Lopez