New York City Council Passes Resolution to Recognize Muslim Holidays

Strategic Insights -

The New York City Council has overwhelmingly passed a resolution urging the city's school system to close schools for two major Muslim holidays each year. The resolution, however, faces opposition from Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who believes that the school calendar cannot accommodate every religion practiced in New York City. The mayor's stance risks alienating voters, particularly in the Muslim community, as he prepares to run for a rare third term as mayor.

Key Takeaways:

  • The New York City Council has passed a resolution calling for the city's school system to close schools for two major Muslim holidays, Eid Ul-Fitr and Eid Ul-Adha.
  • Mayor Michael Bloomberg has publicly denounced the idea, stating that the school calendar cannot accommodate every religion practiced in New York City.
  • The resolution argues that 100,000 New York City students, or 12 percent, practice Islam, making it sufficient size to deserve recognition.
  • Only a handful of major Christian and Jewish holidays are currently recognized as school holidays.
  • The resolution calls on the New York City Department of Education to incorporate the Muslim holidays as observed school holidays and asks the state legislature to amend the education law to require recognition.
  • Several school districts in Michigan and New Jersey have already included the two Muslim holidays in their school calendars.
  • The Coalition for Muslim School Holidays, a group of interfaith labor, community, civil rights, and religious organizations, has led the campaign for the Muslim holidays.

Statistics:

  • 100,000 New York City students practice Islam, representing 12 percent of the student population (New York City Council resolution).
  • Only a handful of major Christian and Jewish holidays are currently recognized as school holidays.
  • Several school districts in Michigan and New Jersey have already included the two Muslim holidays in their school calendars.
  • Mayor Bloomberg's stand on the Muslim holidays risks alienating 12 percent of the city's voters or 1.2 million people, based on 2010 census figures.

Sources:

  • New York City Council resolution
  • Bloomberg statement to reporters
  • Coalition for Muslim School Holidays press release
  • New York Times article on the topic