As someone personally impacted, the importance of Eid cannot be overstated. It is a significant religious holiday for us, following a month of fasting and self-reflection. After such intensive spiritual exercise, comes Eid - our grand celebration; a time of joy, gratitude and unity. Yet, having school on this day makes it overwhelmingly stressful for us. We believe that this is a shared sentiment amongst numerous families and students in Buffalo.

In the United States, there are about 3.45 million Muslims, accounting for about 1.1% of the total population. Their religious practices, including observance of Eid, deserve recognition and respect. Many cities across the country, like Dearborn, Michigan, and Paterson, New Jersey, have already recognized this and declared Eid a school holiday. We believe it's time for Buffalo to follow suit.

Our diverse Buffalo community, which includes a sizeable population of Muslims, deserves the same respect for our cultural and religious practices. The observance of religiously significant days such as Eid not only promotes inclusivity but also encourages mutual understanding and respect for cultural diversity amongst the wider population.

Granting a school holiday for Eid is not only about acknowledging the importance of this celebration for us. It's a demonstration of the kind of inclusive, tolerant, and diverse community we want Buffalo to be. Let's take measures that reflect the diverse culture of our city and ensure that everyone feels valued and included on important days of their lives.

Sign this petition to encourage Buffalo public schools and colleges to declare Eid a recognized holiday and further promote diversity and inclusion in our community.