(HARTFORD, CT, 11/17/2022) – The Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CT) today supported a call by Muslim parents in that state for the inclusion of an Islamic holiday in a school district’s calendar.
Muslim families are asking Fairfield Public Schools to make Eid al-Fitr,* which is celebrated after the month-long fast of Ramadan, a holiday for the 2023-2024 school year. The board will likely vote on next year’s calendar in December.
SEE: Fairfield families request Muslim holiday be day off at school
https://www.ctinsider.com/fairfield/article/Fairfield-ask-Eid-school-holiday-17591716.php
In remarks to the school board, CAIR-CT Operations Director Hassan Awwad said in part:
“CAIR Connecticut has been working with many school districts across the state. Some have already recognized the Eid as a holiday including New Haven, Hamden, Manchester, and Bridgeport. We are also working with other BOEs in Stamford, Norwalk, Orange, and Farmington Valley, to promote equality, inclusion, and diversity by having Eid recognized as a holiday…
“Recognizing the Eid as a holiday is one small but important step forward to ensuring that students from Muslim community feel like they belong here in Fairfield, just as their peers from Jewish and Christian backgrounds. As educators I know you recognize how important it is for children to have self-confidence and to bring their full selves to school. These are the values you teach our children every day. It’s time to put these words into practice.”
Some schools in Connecticut already observe the Eid al-Fitr and other holidays as days off.
[*NOTE: Eid al-Adha (EED-AL-ODDHA), commonly referred to as just “Eid,” is associated with the pilgrimage to Mecca, or Hajj, and commemorates the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael at God’s command. The holiday is celebrated with prayers, small gifts for children, distribution of meat to the needy, and social gatherings. During Eid al-Fitr (EED-AL-FITTER) or “feast of fast breaking” holiday at the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan, Muslims offer public prayers, exchange social visits and seek to strengthen family and community bonds.]
“We support the call by Muslim parents and students to add Eid al-Fitr to the school calendar, which would send a clear message of respect for inclusion and religious diversity,” said CAIR-Connecticut Chair Farhan Memon.
He noted that school districts nationwide are increasingly recognizing Islamic holidays.
SEE: CAIR-Missouri Welcomes School District’s Decision to Mark Eid al-Fitr
CAIR-Ohio Celebrates Hilliard School District Recognizing Eid Al-Fitr as Official Holiday
CAIR-Houston Welcomes Harris County’s Eid Al-Adha 2021 Resolution
He said CAIR offers a booklet, called “An Educator’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices,” designed to help school officials provide a positive learning environment for Muslim students.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Connecticut Chair Farhan Memon, 203-517-6526 or fmemon@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com