MENG ASKS CUOMO TO SIGN LEGISLATION TO PAVE THE WAY FOR LUNAR NEW YEAR, EID AND DIWALI SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) today sent a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo asking him to sign legislation that would pave the way for schools to be closed on the Lunar New Year, Eid and Diwali holidays. 

Meng sponsored the bill when she served in the New York State legislature, and her measure was taken over by other lawmakers when she was elected to the House of Representatives last year. It was sent to the governor earlier this month after it was passed by the State Senate and Assembly. The legislation would require that local school boards consider closing schools if a holiday is likely to result in a considerable proportion of students being absent.

“School policies regarding accommodations allowed for religious and cultural holidays vary widely district-to-district,” Meng wrote. “Students interested in taking the time off from school are faced with the unnecessary dilemma of an absence (both excused and unexcused based on their district) and celebrating an important holiday with family, friends and their community. Absenteeism on religious and cultural holidays is a particular issue for districts with a high Asian-American population. Closing schools in these districts reduces the wasted resources inherent in keeping schools open on a day when a large number of students, and possibly teachers, are absent.”

This past January, Meng introduced a resolution in Congress (H. Res. 457) that encourages local school districts serving significant Asian-American populations to close its schools on the Lunar New Year in recognition of the cultural significance of the holiday. The measure is pending before the House Education and Workforce Committee.

Meng also wrote in February to new Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina – and cc’ed her boss Mayor de Blasio – requesting that a school holiday for the Lunar New Year be created in New York City. After she sent the letter, the Mayor announced that he plans to close the schools for Lunar New Year. Meng has also expressed her public support for Eid and Diwali school holidays.

The State Senate bill was passed earlier this month and the Assembly measure was approved in February. Press Release.