Eid-al-Fitr Added to Holiday Calendar of Schools in California’s Norwalk
The education board of the city added the holiday to the calendar and the change will go into effect this coming school year, when school will close on April 10, 2024.
Prior to approving the Islamic holiday during the board’s June 13 meeting, students organized to advocate for the holiday, according to Emily Morgan, media relations specialist for Norwalk Public Schools.
“At least two students reached out to the superintendent with the request that Norwalk Public Schools designate Eid al-Fitr as a school holiday,” she said.
In addition, Morgan said that students worked with NPS Superintendent Alexandra Estrella prior to the approval.
“In addition to these two students, the superintendent also met with several student groups to discuss the proposal,” Morgan said. “She then introduced the idea to the Board of Education who were receptive to the proposal.”
Eid al-Fitr means "feast of fast-breaking" and is one of two major holidays celebrated by Muslims. The holiday honors the end of the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast each day from dawn to sunset.
Norwalk joins school districts like Fairfield, Bridgeport, Trumbull and Stamford who have added the holiday in recent years.
According to Morgan, over 20 people spoke during the public comment section of the June 13 meeting in favor of adding the holiday to the district’ calendar.
During the public comment, one student named Fatima said the district should add two Islamic holidays to the calendar: Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha. The latter means "feast of the sacrifice" and in 2024 will be celebrated on sundown of Sunday, June 16 to sundown on Monday, June 17.
“With a growing population of Muslim students within our district, I believe it’s crucial to consider adding two big significant holidays to the school calendar,” Fatima said.
She also said that adding the holidays can help to create an environment of inclusivity.
“We will demonstrate our dedication to honoring and respecting the diverse culture and traditions within our community,” Fatima said.
While the district only approved Eid-al-Fitr, Morgan said the approval “aligns to the district’s strategic priorities of equity, inclusion and engagement, and is part of our continued efforts to ensure all students and their families feel valued and welcome in our school community.”
Source: thehour.com
