Res. No. 153
Title
Resolution calling upon the City University of New York (CUNY) to incorporate the Muslim holidays of Eid Ul-Fitr and Eid Ul-Adha as observed university holidays throughout the CUNY system.
Body
By Council Member Dromm
Whereas, Eid Ul-Fitr and Eid Ul-Adha are considered to be significant holidays in the Muslim community; and
Whereas, Eid Ul-Fitr is a time of joy and thanksgiving that is celebrated at the completion of Ramadan and involves various celebrations and special services; and
Whereas, Eid Ul-Adha, or the "Feast of Sacrifice," is the second most important festival on the Muslim calendar, and is a day of remembrance; and
Whereas, The first day is the most important day of both Muslim holidays; and
Whereas, Pew Research Center estimates that there were about 3.45 million Muslims living in the United States (U.S.) in 2017, and that Muslims made up about 1.1% of the total U.S. population; and
Whereas, Muslim New Yorkers constitute approximately 3 percent of the City's population, or 270,000, according to the Museum of the City of New York website; and
Whereas, According to a number of research organizations, including Pew Research Center, Muslims represent one of the fastest growing religious communities in the City and around the globe; and
Whereas, Despite this growing population, Eid Ul-Fitr and Eid Ul-Adha are not recognized as university holidays at The City University of New York (CUNY); and
Whereas, Currently, CUNY campuses are closed on a number of religious holidays, including Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Christmas, Good Friday, Easter and Passover; and
Whereas, In New York City, alternate side parking is suspended in observance of the two Muslim holidays; and
Whereas, S.1560, sponsored by Senator Tony Avella, and A.4930, sponsored by Assembly Member David Weprin, would require the State University of New York (SUNY) and CUNY to observe the holidays Eid Ul-Fitr and Eid Ul-Adh...
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