HOUSTON, Texas –The Houston Independent School District (HISD) recently approved a new academic calendar for the 2025-2026 school year, omitting Eid al-Fitr as an official holiday.
The decision has sparked backlash from the Muslim community and advocacy groups, who are calling for the holiday’s reinstatement.
Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is an important religious celebration for Muslims, and last year, HISD allowed both students and staff to take the day off to observe the holiday.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has led the charge against the exclusion, with CAIR-Houston expressing disappointment over the decision.
The organization is urging the HISD school board to reconsider, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in school policies.
CAIR argues that recognizing Eid al-Fitr helps foster a sense of belonging for Muslim students and promotes cultural awareness in schools.
During a recent vote, several board members expressed support for including the holiday, but the calendar was approved without Eid al-Fitr.
The board cited scheduling constraints and the challenge of balancing various cultural holidays as the rationale for its decision.
CAIR-Houston is planning to meet with district officials, presenting petitions and testimonies from concerned students and parents.
