Senate Bill S1241

                                BILL NUMBER:S1241

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:
2011-12:  S.1762  Referred to Education Committee
2009-10:  S.5837A Referred to Education Committee
2007-08:  S.3142  Referred to Education Committee

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.

EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.