Under the change announced by New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and city Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina, there will be no class for Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, starting next September 24. Another Muslim holiday, Eid al-Fitr -- a festival marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan -- will become a holiday for those in summer school starting in 2016.

"This is a common-sense change," de Blasio said Wednesday, "and one that recognizes our growing Muslim community and honors its contributions to our city."

The decision affects some 1 million students in New York City. While it's not known exactly how many of them are Muslim, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito said that almost 1 million of the more than 8 million people in the city's five boroughs practice Islam.

The move isn't a surprise, given de Blasio's campaign pledge to alter the school calendar with Muslim families in mind.

"Muslim students and their families who observe Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha shouldn't have to choose between an instructional day and their religious obligations," said Farina. "This new addition will also enable a teachable moment in the classroom for our students to learn about religious tolerance and the societal contributions of various cultures."

New York City joins school districts in other states, including New Jersey, Massachusetts and Vermont, that similarly observe Muslim holidays, according to a news release from Farina's office.

It is about time but I have to admit I am surprise.  Kudos to De Blasio!!

Congratulation to the Muslim community in the City of New York to win a historical landmark to have this legislation pass in their favor.

Hey Ray sorry for not replying earlier but was busy all week and had no time to log in at GNI.

This was passed by the City Council some time back butMayor Bloomberg refused to sign it into law,

New Mayor and things changed. Now Muslims kids are on equal footing with Jewish and Christian kids, no more test on a religious holiday. 

Buddy Nehru I remember you saying that this will never happen.

history teach us people listen more when violence is involve 

We getting all four holidays?  who sighting moon?

Yea Kudos to DeBlasio for saying F You to the Hindus.

Je Suis De Blasio

Salty addressing that issue

God help the poor Hindus