April 25, 2018 – Westchester County Executive George Latimer applauds the New Rochelle Board of Education on its decision to include the Muslim holiday of Eid Al-Fitr in the school calendar.
On April 17, the New Rochelle Board of Education voted unanimously in favor of adopting Eid Al-Fitr, one of only two major holidays in the Muslim tradition. Eid Al-Fitr is a celebration marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, charity and piety in the Muslim calendar. June 5, 2019, will be a holiday for New Rochelle schools in recognition of this high holy day in the Muslim tradition.
Latimer said: “Westchester is a diverse place where all cultures and religions are welcome. This is one step toward realizing that notion. I am proud of what the New Rochelle Board of Education has done.”
Acting Executive Director, Westchester County Human Rights Commission Jerrice Epps said: “Small measures like this have a big impact on making Westchester who we are. We show these ideals each day through our work at the Human Rights Commission and am happy that New Rochelle does the same.”
Chair, Westchester County Human Rights Commission Rev. Doris. K. Dalton said: “The Human Rights Commission envisions a future where all children in our Westchester schools feel included regardless of their religion or culture. We applaud the New Rochelle School District.”
New Rochelle is the first school district in Westchester County to include Eid Al-Fitr as an official school holiday. Other New York State districts that include Eid Al-Fitr are New York City and Syosset.