New York Senate Bill S06191

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/25
• Refer: 3/6/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Provides that the Muslim holidays of Eid Ul-Fitr and Eid Ul-Adha shall be school holidays in the city school district of the city of New York.

Summary

S06191 would amend the New York State Education Law to require that the first day of Eid Ul-Fitr and the first day of Eid Ul-Adha be designated as school holidays in the New York City school district. The bill applies only to the city school district of the city of New York and ties the holiday dates to the dates listed on the City of New York parking calendar, which is used to identify the observed dates each year. By creating these holidays in statute, the bill would require New York City public schools to close on those two Muslim holidays regardless of any conflicting local rule or regulation. The measure is framed as an immediate effective-date change and would directly affect the school calendar, attendance expectations, and scheduling for students, families, teachers, and school administrators in New York City.

Impact

The bill would add a new section to the Education Law, specifically creating section 2590-w, and would legally mandate school closures in the New York City school district for Eid Ul-Fitr and Eid Ul-Adha. Its effect is limited to New York City public schools, but it would supersede contrary local policies or administrative practices by making the holidays statutory school holidays. The practical impact would be on school calendars, instructional days, staffing, and family planning for the city’s public school system and the communities it serves.

Sentiment

The available context suggests the bill is presented in a supportive and affirmative way, with sponsors seeking formal recognition of major Muslim holidays in the public school calendar. Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, there is no documented opposition or debate in the supplied materials. The overall tone of the bill text is straightforward and policy-driven, indicating an intent to accommodate religious observance rather than to create a broader controversy.

Contention

The main point of potential contention is the effect on the number of instructional days and the school calendar in New York City, since adding two holidays could require schedule adjustments or make-up days. Another possible issue is whether the state should mandate holidays for a specific religious group in a public school system, though the bill text itself does not discuss that debate. No specific objections, amendments, or opposing arguments are included in the provided record, so any contention is inferred from the policy subject rather than documented discussion.