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Muslim students and parents urge Bay Shore board to recognize Eid as a school holiday
Summary
Students, parents and community members told the Bay Shore board that Eid holidays disrupt attendance and school events and asked the district to adopt Eid as an official day or otherwise accommodate affected students; board members said they would discuss calendar constraints and follow up.
Multiple students, parents and community members urged the Bay Shore Union Free School District board to recognize Eid—the two Islamic celebratory days that follow Ramadan and Hajj—or to otherwise accommodate Muslim students.
Onyx Khan, a junior and International Baccalaureate diploma candidate, told the board that Eid "represents one of the most significant Islamic holidays" and that dates can fall during the school year with little prior notice. Khan said students often miss important classes, tests and events and asked the district to establish Eid as an official day so Muslim students would not have to choose between religious obligations and school commitments: "The growing number of Muslim students creates an urgent need for institutions to provide them with recognition and support." (Onyx Khan)
Other public speakers echoed the request and offered to help. Parent Andrea Gadiri said families are willing to assist the district and local advocacy groups (including an Eid Coalition on Long Island) have prepared templates and schedules used by neighboring districts. Fifth grader Muhammad Shahid recounted missing a middle-school STEAM night because Eid fell on that day and said, "No student should have to make that choice." Several speakers pressed the board to coordinate with nearby districts and statewide advocates in order to develop a consistent calendar response.
Board members acknowledged the request and reviewed constraints that complicate a simple change to the calendar. Administrators and board members noted that state‑mandated days and instructional‑hour requirements limit flexibility: the district currently uses a 182‑day school calendar and cited required instructional hours (990 hours for secondary and 900 for elementary). Board members also said calendars are set early in the year and that offering Eid in some years but not others could feel disrespectful to families. The board said it will discuss the request with the administration and regional school boards and asked community members to share data and calendars from neighboring districts to support planning.
