Senate Bill S5837

                                 BILL NUMBER:  S5837A

 TITLE OF BILL :
An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring that the
Muslim holidays of Eid Ul-Fitr and Eid Ul-Adha be school holidays in
the city school district of the city of New York


 PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL :
To designate as school holidays in the New York City School District
the first days of the Muslim holidays of Eid Ul-Fitr and Eid Ul-Adha,
to allow Muslim students, teachers and staff to celebrate these
important holidays.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :
Bill § 1 adds a new §2590-v to the Education Law, providing that those
schools operated under the aegis of the New York City School District
will be closed on the first days of Eid Ul-Fitr and Eid Ul-Adha,
beginning on the dates set forth in the New York City parking
calendar.

No current state law provides for recognition of these important
religious holidays.

 JUSTIFICATION :
Eid Ul-Fitr and Eid Ul-Adha are two of the most important in the
              

Muslim calendar. Eid Ul-Fitr marks the end of the month long fast of
Ramadan. It is celebrated with communal prayers and other social
activities. The prayers mark the beginning of the Eid Ul-Fitr along
with social visits seeking to strengthen the bonds of the community.
The holiday extends for three days, the most important of which is the
first day.

Eid Ul-Adha marks the culmination of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to
Mecca. It serves to remind Muslims of the continuity of their faith
throughout history and connects them with the Great Prophet Abraham.
The holiday lasts four days, the most important being the first day.

At this time Muslims constitute approximately 10% of the student body
in the New York City School District. No provision is made for any of
their high holy days.

 PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :
Formerly sponsored by Assemblyman Diaz.  A.6589/S.3142 (2007-08) -
referred to Assembly & Senate Education Committees. A.1920 (2009)

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS :
None.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
Immediately.