Res. No. 2142
Resolution calling upon the City University of New York (“CUNY”) to incorporate the Muslim holidays of Eid Ul-Fitr and Eid Ul-Adha as observed school holidays throughout the CUNY system.
By Council Member Avella
Whereas, The City University of New York (“CUNY”) is the largest public urban university in the nation and serves more than 243,000 degree-credit students and 273,000 continuing and professional education students; and
Whereas, The undergraduate student body at CUNY reflects the diversity of New York City, tracing their ancestries to 205 countries and approximately 47% of undergraduates have a native language other than English; and
Whereas, The “Muslims in New York City Project,” an initiative through Columbia University’s Middle East Institute, estimates that approximately 600,000 Muslims live in New York City, and represent one of the fastest growing religious communities in the City; and
Whereas, Despite this growing population, two important Muslim holidays, Eid Ul-Fitr and Eid Ul-Adha, are not recognized as school holidays at CUNY; and
Whereas, Eid Ul-Fitr, is a time of joy and thanksgiving that is celebrated at the completion of Ramadan and involves various celebrations and special services; and
Whereas, Eid Ul-Adha, or the “Feast of Sacrifice,” is the second most important festival on the Muslim calendar, and is a day of remembrance; and
Whereas, The first day is the most important day of both Muslim holidays; and
Whereas, Efforts are being made to incorporate these Muslim holidays into the New York City school calendar; and
Whereas, Assembly Member Michael Benjamin and Senator Bill Perkins have introduced State legislation (A.8108/S.5837) that would require the New York City school district to close schools on the first day of both Muslim holidays; and
Whereas, Similar efforts should be made for New York City’s postsecondary institutions; and
Whereas, Currently, CUNY campuses are closed on a number of religious holidays, including, Christmas, Good Friday, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Passover; and
Whereas, CUNY prides itself in its continuing development of programs and policies designed to meet the academic and social needs of its diverse student body population, and therefore, should incorporate these two important Muslim holidays into the University’s academic calendar; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the City University of New York (CUNY) to incorporate the Muslim holidays of Eid Ul-Fitr and Eid Ul-Adha as observed school holidays throughout the CUNY system.
LS# 7621
7/23/09
11:15 a.m.
TC