(PHILADELPHIA AND PITTSBURGH, PA, 4/25/2023) – The Pittsburgh and Philadelphia chapters of Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Pittsburgh and CAIR-Philadelphia) today welcomed Eid observance by 9 school districts statewide that closed for the first-time following advocacy by parents and students.
Additional school districts are poised to observe Eid in the 2023-2024 school year per school board votes to observe Eid as an off day.
On Friday, April 21, Radnor, Great Valley, Unionville- Chadd Ford, West Chester Area, Spring-Ford, North Penn, Upper Darby, Downingtown, and Owen J. Roberts school districts for the first time observed Eid Al- Fitr holiday that marks the end of the month of Ramadan. In addition to these Districts, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh Public School, Tredyffrin/Easttown districts that have been observing Eid Al- Fitr for a longer time period were closed.
SEE: CAIR-Philadelphia Applauds 16 State School Districts for Adding Muslim Holiday to School Calendar
Among districts to observe Eid next year, Derry Township in Hershey, PA is the first in Central Pennsylvania to do so.
Speaking to PennLive’s coverage on the issue, CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Dr. Ahmet Tekelioglu said, “When students feel like their experiences and their traditions — like others’ traditions and perspectives — is recognized, it goes a long way in terms of building a sense of inclusion and a sense of belonging in their schools.”
CAIR-Pittsburgh Executive Director Christine Mohamed said: “Recognizing Eid as an official school holiday is a significant step toward greater inclusivity and respect for religious diversity in our schools. We are grateful to the school districts that have taken this important step, and we hope that other districts across the state will follow their lead and create more welcoming and inclusive learning environments for all students.”
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CONTACT: CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Selim Tekelioglu, PhD; 617-401-5397 (mobile), atekelioglu@cair.com, CAIR-Pittsburgh Executive Director Christine Mohamed; 412-606-3601; cmohamed@cair.com.
