The Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CT) today congratulated the Bridgeport Board of Education for approving at its meeting on Monday night a resolution establishing Eid al-Adha as a districtwide school holiday beginning with the 2027–2028 school year.
CAIR Connecticut supported the Bridgeport Islamic Community Center, the chief community backer of the initiative, to secure recognition of Eid al-Adha. The decision builds on the Board’s earlier recognition of Eid al-Fitr and ensures that Bridgeport students can observe both of Islam’s principal holidays without having to choose between their faith and their education.
In a statement, CAIR Connecticut Chair Farhan Memon said:
“We congratulate the Bridgeport Board of Education for taking this important and equitable step, and we commend the Bridgeport Islamic Community Center for leading this successful community effort. No child should have to choose between a sincerely held religious belief and school attendance. Even when an absence is excused, students can miss instruction, tests, performances, athletic events and celebrations—and then bear the burden of catching up.
“Recognizing Eid al-Adha sends a powerful message that Muslim students belong, that their faith deserves the same dignity afforded to others, and that they are valued, protected and fully part of the school community. This decision will reduce stigma, promote understanding and help create a more welcoming school climate for everyone.”
Eid al-Adha, one of Islam’s two most important holidays, is observed through communal prayer, worship, charity and family gatherings. CAIR Connecticut noted that the district’s experience with Eid al-Fitr shows that recognizing a major religious observance is not an endorsement of religion, but an inclusive and practical response to the needs of the school community.
CAIR Connecticut also thanked the students, families, educators, faith leaders and community advocates who spoke in support of the proposal. The organization said the Board’s action demonstrates how principled, evenhanded standards can make school calendars more inclusive while allowing the district to plan in advance and minimize operational disruption.
About CAIR Connecticut: CAIR Connecticut is the state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. Its mission includes protecting civil rights, promoting justice and empowering Connecticut’s Muslim communities.
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Media contact: Farhan Memon, CAIR Connecticut | [email protected]