The Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CT) today applauded the West Haven Board of Education and the New Britain Board of Education for their recent decisions to recognize Eid-ul-Fitr (EED-al-FITTER) as an official district-wide holiday in their respective school districts.
Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed by both school districts starting in 2025. For this year, the New Britain BOE had previously scheduled its April school break to coincide with Eid-ul-Fitr in order to accommodate Muslim students.
[NOTE: Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and marital relations from break of dawn to sunset. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about March 11. Dates may vary. The end of Ramadan is marked with the Eid ul-Fitr (EED-al-FITTER), or “feast of fast breaking” holiday, often referred to simply as “Eid.” Many communities hold multicultural bazaars and other family activities following the Eid prayers.]
CAIR-CT also sent a letter to the Superintendents of Connecticut’s largest school districts reminding them that the month of Ramadan is beginning next week and the need to accommodate the religious needs of students. In districts that don’t have Eid-ul-Fitr as a holiday CAIR-CT is encouraging Superintendents to begin these discussions with the Muslim community.
This landmark decision by West Haven and New Britain reflects each district’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and religious accommodation, and it represents a significant step forward in ensuring that the needs of Muslim students and families are acknowledged and respected within Connecticut’s educational system.
“We commend the West Haven and New Britain School Boards of Education for their leadership in recognizing the importance of Eid-ul-Fitr to Muslim students and families in each district,” said Farhan Memon, Chairman of CAIR-CT. “By designating Eid as a district-wide holiday, the Boards have demonstrated their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all students feel valued and supported.”
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.
“By including Eid as a holiday in the school calendar, each board has taken a proactive step towards ensuring that Muslim students can fully participate in their religious observances with their families without fear of missing important school activities or exams,” added Memon.
West Haven and New Britain join several other school districts in Connecticut which have added Eid-ul-Fitr to the school calendar in recent years including Waterbury, Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport Fairfield, Trumbull, New Haven, Hamden, and Manchester.
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)