As a teacher in the Department of Education and a parent, I understand how vital it is for our school system to recognize and respect the diverse cultural and religious practices of our community. This year, Eid falls on a Friday, and while students have the day off due to a scheduled clerical day, teachers and staff are still required to report to work.

This creates an unjust situation for Muslim educators who must choose between fulfilling professional obligations and celebrating one of the most important days in their faith. Taking a personal or unpaid day to observe a widely recognized religious holiday is not only unreasonable—it’s exclusionary and disheartening.

We are not asking for additional days off. We are simply asking that Eid Friday be officially acknowledged as a non-attendance day for staff, just as it already is for students. This change is practical, equitable, and easily implementable. Making this adjustment would demonstrate respect for the religious practices of Muslim educators, foster equity and inclusion across our diverse workforce, prevent educators from being penalized for observing a major holiday, and align school policy with the values of cultural awareness and fairness.

Encouraging the Department of Education to make this adjustment would reflect a commitment to diversity and respect for all cultural and religious practices, ensuring that all students and staff have the opportunity to celebrate without conflict.

I kindly ask for your support in requesting this small yet impactful change. Please sign this petition to urge the NYC Department of Education to switch the Eid holiday off from Thursday to Friday, enabling everyone involved to observe the holiday without the burden of overlapping school obligations.

Organized By:

Shajrah Ruhee Kapadia - UFT Muslim Educator 

Dina Hassan - Vice-President of UFT Muslim Educator