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Wednesday, February 05, 2014

New York City Public School Kids Getting New Muslim, Lunar New Year Holidays

New York City is moving to close school for two Muslim holidays and the Lunar New Year — but Mayor de Blasio isn’t so sure about the Hindu festival Diwali.

Appearing on WNYC’s “Brian Lehrer Show” on Monday, the mayor said he hadn’t taken a position on whether Diwali, the festival of lights celebrated in India and other South Asian countries, should be a day off from school.

But he said he’d move forward with closing schools for Lunar New Year and for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, Muslim holy days.

“It is complicated in terms of logistics and school calendar and budget. But it’s something I want to get done in a reasonable time frame,” he said.
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10 comments:

Anonymous said...

If Muslims want a holiday, go back to the countries that celebrate muslim holidays - this is the USA.

Anonymous said...

To 10:24, plenty of people in the U.s. celebrate Muslim holidays. That's what's great about America -- freedom of religion. If you don't like that people have this freedom, then perhaps you should leave.

JoeAlbero said...

anonymous 10:37, I agree and disagree.

I agree that EVERY person as an American Citizen should have the freedom of celebrating their religion of choice.

What I question is, do you really have ANY idea just how many different religions there are out there? Are e to make changes for every one of them?

Now, IF they are keeping religion out of Schools, we should drop ALL Religious Holidays and simply give each Family one week off School per year to celebrate whatever religion they so enjoy.

Just my thoughts on the matter. Oh, as far as Teachers go, celebrate your Holidays during the SUMMER months when School is out.

Anonymous said...

We are one of the only countries who make adjustments to suit everyone else.I say let everyone else adjust to us.

Anonymous said...

Look for "LGBT" day off soon. Also Karl Marx's birthday. That will replace Christmas, I mean Xmas.

Anonymous said...

Islam is not a religion-it is a cult. Therefore, it should not be given the acknowledgement or respect that religions deserve!

Anonymous said...

I had a hangnail last week, there should be a holiday for that, too.

Anonymous said...

Just close the schools, period. LOL!

Anonymous said...

Don't forget Festivus!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

10:49 Islam is no more of a "cult" than Christianity, Catholicism, or whatever other religion you put up there.

I agree with Joe, keep religion out of schools, and religious holidays can be observed on weekends, or with a single break for all.