New York public schools add two Muslim holidays to calendar

[Devil Soul]

New York public schools add two Muslim holidays to calendar
AFP

NEW YORK: New York public schools will add two Muslim holidays to their vacation calendars, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Wednesday, a promise he made during his election campaign.

Two of the most sacred holidays in the Islamic calendar, Eidul Fitr and Eidul Azha, will be observed.

Eidul Azha, or “Festival of Sacrifice,” will be a vacation day on September 24, starting in the 2015-2016 school year.

The festival of breaking the fast, Eidul Fitr, which falls over the summer in 2016, will be designated a holiday for summer school students.

The mayor said the move reflects New York's diversity, calling it a “common sense change."

“We made a pledge to families that we would change our school calendar to reflect the strength and diversity of our city,” he said in a statement.

Take a look: Police accuse NY mayor of creating ‘climate of mistrust’

"Hundreds of thousands of Muslim families will no longer have to choose between honouring the most sacred days on their calendar or attending school."

New York public schools already give students the day off for some Jewish and Christian holidays.

Muslim children account for about 10 per cent of New York's public school students.

It is not the first city to close for Muslim holidays ─ some districts in Vermont, Massachusetts and New Jersey already do.

Muslim community leaders in New York have appealed to close schools on holy days for several years.

 

[Zarvan]

New York public schools add two Muslim holidays to calendar
AFP

NEW YORK: New York public schools will add two Muslim holidays to their vacation calendars, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Wednesday, a promise he made during his election campaign.

Two of the most sacred holidays in the Islamic calendar, Eidul Fitr and Eidul Azha, will be observed.

Eidul Azha, or “Festival of Sacrifice,” will be a vacation day on September 24, starting in the 2015-2016 school year.

The festival of breaking the fast, Eidul Fitr, which falls over the summer in 2016, will be designated a holiday for summer school students.

The mayor said the move reflects New York's diversity, calling it a “common sense change."

“We made a pledge to families that we would change our school calendar to reflect the strength and diversity of our city,” he said in a statement.

Take a look: Police accuse NY mayor of creating ‘climate of mistrust’

"Hundreds of thousands of Muslim families will no longer have to choose between honouring the most sacred days on their calendar or attending school."

New York public schools already give students the day off for some Jewish and Christian holidays.

Muslim children account for about 10 per cent of New York's public school students.

It is not the first city to close for Muslim holidays ─ some districts in Vermont, Massachusetts and New Jersey already do.

Muslim community leaders in New York have appealed to close schools on holy days for several years.

Interesting but it should be for Muslims only

 

[KAL-EL]

Interesting but it should be for Muslims only

Should only Christian kids get off for Christmas vacation then? That of course would never happen here in public American schools. When those Muslims holidays arrive, all kids will have off like they do on Christmas and other school holidays.

On another note, I remember when I was in school being very happy to get off for any holidays. regardless of what the religious or cultural reasons were haha

 

[Ryuzaki]

Should only Christian kids get off for Christmas vacation then? On another note, I remember when I was in school being very happy to get off for any holidays. regardless of what the religious or cultural reasons were haha

Indians school kids are most lucky in that aspect.So many festivals.

 

[xyxmt]

Interesting but it should be for Muslims only

dont muslim take Xmas holiday, kha mukha ka mpunga na lya kero

 

[KAL-EL]

Indians school kids are most lucky in that aspect.So many festivals.

I would have been very envious of Indian kids if I knew that back then

 

[Anees]

Muslim community leaders in New York have appealed to close schools on holy days for several years.

Everybody talk now about freedom , right and equality in other country where they r migrated .. Can anybody imagine if it will get same treatment in GCC countries also ???

Then you will find there double standard or true color ... ????

 

[Imtiaz_Sarwar]

A very sensible decision by New York authorities. I hope it will promote religious harmony.

 

[Zarvan]

Should only Christian kids get off for Christmas vacation then? That of course would never happen here in public American schools. When those Muslims holidays arrive, all kids will have off like they do on Christmas and other school holidays.

On another note, I remember when I was in school being very happy to get off for any holidays. regardless of what the religious or cultural reasons were haha

In Pakistan minorities get both Eid Holidays of Muslims and also of there own festivals

 

[KAL-EL]

In Pakistan minorities get both Eid Holidays of Muslims and also of there own festivals

I think that's very good and tolerant that they do that

 

[Devil Soul]

Interesting but it should be for Muslims only

Logically & Practically ... its pretty difficult what ur asking in educational institutes,

 

[Mugwop]

I don't think this appeal is likely to happen because Eid and Fasting don't have a fixed date.

 

[Imtiaz_Sarwar]

I don't think this appeal is likely to happen because Eid and Fasting don't have a fixed date.

I hope the muslims of New York are wise, intelligent and have a good rapport with the local authorities. With mutual consultations they should be able to solve such issues amicably in the best public interest.