Press Release Details
SF Board of Education Passes Resolution to Recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as District Holidays
San Francisco (August 10, 2022) - The San Francisco Board of Education passed a resolution Tuesday, August 9, to include the recognition of two Muslim holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) academic calendar. SFUSD will implement this recognition beginning with the 2023-2024 school year.
Per the resolution, Eid al-Fitr, or “Feast of Breaking the Fast,” is the most important holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide, to mark the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Eid al-Fitr is a holiday of gratitude that involves special services, ceremonies, and traditions celebrated with family and the community. Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is the second most important holiday on the Islamic calendar and is a day of remembrance. Eid al-Adha is celebrated with prayer and traditions involving food, family, and charitable giving.
The resolution was authored by Commissioner Matt Alexander. “Allowing Muslim students to fully observe these sacred holidays without potentially negative educational and social repercussions is aligned with our commitment as a district to be student-centered,” said Commissioner Alexander.
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