I am a member of the Christian Orthodox faith and every year, thousands of Orthodox Christians in New York City observe Christmas on January 7th. It is a sacred day for us, marking the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Julian calendar. While the city is home to a multitude of Orthodox Christians, they currently face the challenge of having their children attend school on this significant holiday. It seems only just that students observing Orthodox Christmas should not be required to attend classes on this day.

Currently, New York City public schools close for Christmas on December 25th. However, this policy overlooks the needs of Orthodox Christian students who celebrate the holiday on January 7th. Parents, students, and community members are left with a difficult decision: either attend school or honor their religious customs. This not only places unnecessary pressure on Orthodox families but also stands as an example of inequality in honoring cultural and religious diversity within our public school system.

New York City is known for its rich cultural tapestry, and recognizing Orthodox Christmas as a school holiday would reflect and respect the diverse religious practices of its residents. By closing public schools on January 7th, NYC would uphold its commitment to embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive educational environment where all cultures and religions are valued equally.

In addition to addressing this disparity, declaring January 7th a holiday for Orthodox Christmas would allow students and teachers who belong to the faith to fully participate in their religious traditions without the stress of missing important schoolwork or being absent. This consideration would not only honor the religious commitments of the Orthodox Christian community but also provide an opportunity for all students to learn about and appreciate the different cultural practices among their peers, thus promoting harmony and unity.

We, therefore, call upon the NYC Department of Education and city officials to recognize the importance of Orthodox Christmas by officially designating January 7th as a public school holiday annually. Join us in supporting this cause to ensure equality and respect for all religious observances. Sign this petition to create change for a fair and inclusive school calendar that truly represents our vibrant city.