This petition calls for the San Francisco Unified School District to officially recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as school holidays and not dim the importance of recognition. Eid is a major religious holiday celebrated by millions of Muslims worldwide, marking important moments of faith, family, and community. According to the Pew Research center, “The Muslim population in Europe and North America are much smaller, though they grew more rapidly from 2010 to 2020 than non-Muslim populations in these regions” (Hackett, Conrad.) Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in the US with millions of Muslims Americans, many of them students. Yet, SFUSD still does not close schools for Eid, enforcing the idea that Muslim students should choose between their education and their faith, something that is not expected when observing other holidays such as Christmas as well as Lunar New Year, which has been seen as an official non-instructional day since 2006 and taken into effect in the 2007-2008 school year. 

This issue matters to me because I am a student who has had to make the decision of falling behind in school or missing an important part of my identity. When Muslim students have to miss school for Eid, they fall behind on assignments, tests, or important lessons. According to the US Department of Education, inclusive school environments improve student wellbeing and academic success. Not recognizing Eid sends the message that some identities matter more than others. As students, we shouldn't have to explain or defend why our holidays deserve recognition. 

 The community should care because this issue reflects larger patterns of inequality. Historically, movements like GIDRA and the Asian American “Yellow Power” movement fought against invisibility and demanded representation, dignity, and solidarity among marginalized groups. Today, that same spirit applies to our community. Muslim communities stand against this exclusion and systemic neglect. Research from organizations like Teaching Tolerance shows that culturally inclusive policies reduce discrimination and build stronger, safer schools. 

What should be done is clear, the SFUSD Board of Education must officially add Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha to its school calendar as non-instructional days. Other major school districts, such as the New York City Department of Education, already recognize Eid as a holiday, providing that this change is possible, students, families, and community members should advocate by signing petitions, speaking at school board meetings and making our voices heard. SFUSD leaders need to listen to the communities they serve and take action toward equality when it is something they so firmly strive for. 

In conclusion, I hope for a future where SFUSD fully reflects the diversity of its students and ensures that no one has to choose between their education and their identity. Recognizing Eid is a small but powerful step toward respect. Just as the GIDRA movement demanded visibility and justice decades ago, we must continue to do so today.  

For fairness in school calendars, 

Saudah Sarinelli

May 4th, 2026