BILL NUMBER: S4820

SPONSOR: PARKER
 
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, begin-
ning on the dates set forth in the New York City parking calendar.

              

No current state law provides for recognition of these important reli-
gious 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/SENATE:

2017-18: S5050 - REFERRED TO EDUCATION
2015-16: 5.2436 - REFERRED TO EDUCATION
2013-14: S.1241 - REFERRED TO EDUCATION

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.