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The Board announced that it would be adding the holiday - which marks the end of Ramadan - which will be observed on June 5 next year, and schools will be closed.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, and falls on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. School officials noted that the date will shift from year to year because the Islamic lunar calendar differs from the Gregorian calendar.
Board member Amy Moselhi, who requested the addition of the holiday on behalf of Muslims in the city, praised Schools Superintendent Brian Osborne and her fellow board members for taking steps to continue embracing diversity in the district, calling the decision “historic.”
“It is incredibly courageous and something that must be commended,” she said. “Dr. Osborne was able to implement something that will not be forgotten - cannot be forgotten. It is a historic event.”
Pamela Davis, who also serves on the board, said she “looks forward to the change in perspective that could result from recognizing the holiday.”
"When children are able to discuss the question 'Why do we have off school tomorrow?', it changes the dynamic not only for Muslim students, but it changes the dynamic for the future," she said. "I'm very impressed, pleased and proud to able to support this decision."
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