The Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CT), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today commended the Avon Board of Education for its recent decision to recognize Eid-ul-Fitr as an official district-wide holiday in its school district starting in 2027.
[NOTE: Eid ul-Fitr (EED-al-FITTER), or “feast of fast-breaking,” is the first of the two major Muslim holidays after the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan. Many communities hold multicultural bazaars and other family activities following the prayers. The second holiday, Eid ul-Adha (EED-al-ODD-ha), comes near the end of the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca.]
CAIR-CT said Avon’s landmark decision demonstrates the district’s dedication to diversity, inclusion, and religious accommodation, marking an important advancement in recognizing and honoring the needs of Muslim students and families within Connecticut’s public education system.
“We commend the Avon Board of Education for recognizing the importance of Eid-ul-Fitr and for their inclusive leadership,” said Farhan Memon, Chairman of CAIR-CT. “By establishing Eid as a district-wide holiday, the Board has affirmed its commitment to equity and belonging, helping ensure that Muslim students and families feel seen, valued, and fully included within the school community.”
He added that Eid-ul-Fitr holds great significance for Muslims around the world, marking the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan and a time of celebration, reflection, and community. The recognition of Eid-ul-Fitr as a holiday in the school calendar not only affirms the religious freedoms of Muslim students but also contributes to their overall well-being and sense of belonging.
[NOTE: CAIR-CT offers a booklet, called “Educator’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices“, designed to help school officials provide a positive learning environment for Muslim students.]
“We strongly commend the Town of Avon for recognizing Eid-ul-Fitr as a school holiday – an important acknowledgment of the growing diversity and presence of Muslim students and families in Avon,” said Khamis Abu-Hasaballah, President of the Farmington Valley American Muslim Center. “We encourage other school districts throughout the Valley to follow Avon’s example by taking meaningful steps toward inclusion and honoring the religious observances of our students.”
Avon joins several other school districts in Connecticut which have added Eid-ul-Fitr to the school calendar in recent years including Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, Trumbull, Fairfield, Milford, West Haven, Orange, New Haven, Hamden, Waterbury, New Britain, South Windsor, Glastonbury, and Manchester.
“Including Eid as a school holiday is a meaningful step toward strengthening cultural diversity and inclusion,” said Adam Annavi, a father and community organizer from Avon. “It allows Muslim students to observe their faith without compromising their education.”
CAIR-CT urges superintendents in districts that have not yet recognized Eid-ul-Fitr as a school holiday to begin meaningful discussions with their local Muslim communities. Muslim families in Cheshire, Stratford, North Haven, and Farmington are already actively engaging with their Boards of Education to advocate for this recognition. While some superintendents have not responded to CAIR-CT’s requests for meetings, several Boards of Education have taken positive steps by engaging in thoughtful conversations with community members about how recognizing Eid supports students’ mental health, overall well-being, and sense of belonging.
CAIR-CT recognizes the importance of religious accommodation in educational settings and remains committed to advocating for the rights of Muslim students and families across Connecticut.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: Farhan Memon Chairman (CAIR-CT) fmemon@cair.com or 203-517-6526 (cell)