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Committee backs bill to recognize Eid al‑Fitr and Eid al‑Adha as state holidays
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Summary
AB 2017, the California Eid State Holiday Act, cleared committee with supporters saying adding Eid to the state calendar would excuse student absences and signal inclusion for Muslim Californians; witnesses described bullying and school‑attendance effects on Muslim students.
Assemblymember Haney presented AB 2017, saying the bill would formally add Eid al‑Fitr and Eid al‑Adha to the state holiday calendar and ensure students observing Eid receive excused absences. "California is home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the country ... yet our state calendar does not reflect these deeply significant observances," Haney said.
Tara Grama (California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs) testified in strong support, saying recognition would help Muslim students feel seen and reduce isolation. "Eid is more than adding another date to the calendar. It is about recognition. It is about belonging," Grama said.
Usama Mukadim, legislative and government affairs director for the Council on American‑Islamic Relations (CAIR), highlighted survey findings about bullying and school absences that supporters say the bill seeks to address. "Half of our Muslim students in California report experiencing bullying based on their religious identity," Mukadim said, citing a recent report and asking for an 'I' vote.
Dozens of community members and organizational representatives spoke in support, including union representatives, student speakers and local community organizers. Several assemblymembers voiced support and asked to be added as coauthors. The committee moved AB 2017 to the committee on public employment and retirement.
