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 applauded the Farmington Board of Education for its unanimous vote to recognize Eid-ul-Fitr as a school holiday, marking a significant milestone for inclusion, religious accommodation and student equity in the district.
“Recognizing Eid as a school holiday sends a powerful message that all students belong and that their faith and identity are valued,” said CAIR-CT Chairman Farhan Memon. “This outcome demonstrates what is possible when communities work constructively with school officials to advance fairness and inclusion.”
Khamis Abu-Hasaballah, President of the Farmington Valley American Muslim Center said:
“This decision holds deep meaning for Muslim students and families, who now feel truly seen, valued, and embraced as an integral part of our community,” said Khamis Abu-Hasaballah, President of the Farmington Valley American Muslim Center. “It affirms our children’s sense of belonging and gives families the opportunity to celebrate an important religious holiday together without obstacles. This thoughtful step fosters unity and mutual respect throughout the Farmington Valley, and we hope it inspires other school districts to take similar, meaningful actions.”
Luma Chalabi, a Farmington parent and community organizer said:
“As a mother, it is incredibly moving to see my children feel seen and valued in their school community. For years, I’ve heard students ask for basic understanding and accommodations that should be automatic. Recognizing Eid lifts that emotional burden, protects students’ well-being, and allows families to celebrate together without stress or fear of falling behind.”
[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. Earlier this month, CAIR-CT 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.]
CAIR offers a booklet, called “Educator’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices,” designed to help school officials provide a positive learning environment for Muslim students.
BACKGROUNDER:
This decision follows nearly two years of sustained community organizing, advocacy, and collaboration between Farmington families, community leaders, and CAIR-CT. The effort reflects a strong partnership between residents and school leadership to ensure that Muslim students feel seen, respected, and supported in their learning environment.
For decades, Muslim students have been forced to choose between observing Eid-ul-Fitr and attending school. While excused absences acknowledge the religious significance of Eid, they often fall short in practice—students are still required to make up missed exams, assignments, and classroom instruction, creating unnecessary academic pressure and disruption for both Muslim and non-Muslim students. Recognizing Eid as a school holiday removes these inequities and places Muslim students on equal footing with their peers.
Beyond academic equity, formal recognition of Eid also plays an important role in fostering safer and more inclusive school environments. CAIR’s Massachusetts chapter has reported that 50 percent of Muslim students have experienced bullying by classmates or teachers because of their faith. Public acknowledgment of Muslim holidays helps normalize Muslim identity, educates the broader student body, and serves as a meaningful step toward pushing back against anti-Muslim bias and bullying in schools.
CAIR-CT extends its sincere appreciation to the Farmington Superintendent and members of the Board of Education for their thoughtful leadership and commitment to protecting students while upholding the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This action ensures Muslim students can observe their religious holidays without academic penalty or exclusion.
CAIR-CT also thanks the Farmington community members, parents, students, and advocates whose dedication and persistence helped make this achievement possible.
CAIR-CT encourages other towns across Connecticut to follow the example of the 21 municipalities that have already recognized Eid as a school holiday. In particular, CAIR-CT urges districts such as North Haven, Cheshire, and Berlin to take this important step. Recognizing Eid promotes educational equity, reduces student absenteeism, strengthens family engagement, and affirms the growing diversity of Connecticut’s school communities.
As the nation continues to navigate issues of religious inclusion in public schools, Farmington’s decision serves as a model for how districts can create welcoming environments for students of all backgrounds.
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)