(HOUSTON, TX, 4/20/23) – The Houston chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Houston) today welcomed the first-ever recognition of the Islamic Eid holiday by the Houston Independent School District (HISD).   

The Houston ISD Board of Education recently approved Eid ul-Fitr as an official spring holiday on the school district calendar. Eid will join Good Friday and Yom Kippur as the only religious holidays recognized by the district aside from those that fall during winter break.  

SEE: Houston ISD will recognize the Muslim holy day of Eid for the first time in district history
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/education/article/hisd-eid-holiday-first-in-district-history-17904225.php  

[NOTE: Eid ul-Fitr (EED-al-FITTER), or “feast of fast-breaking,” is the first of the two major Muslim holidays after the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan. During this holiday, Muslims greet each other by saying “Eid Mubarak” (EED-moo-BAR-ak), meaning “blessed Eid,” and “taqabbalallah ta’atakum,” or “may God accept your deeds.” Many communities also hold multicultural bazaars and other family activities following the prayers. The second holiday, Eid ul-Adha (EED-al-ODD-ha), comes near the end of the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca.]   

In a statement, CAIR-Houston Director William White said:  

“This decision is a significant step forward in recognizing the religious diversity of the Houston community. We are delighted that Houston ISD has recognized the importance of Eid for Muslim students and their families. This gesture of inclusion and diversity will go a long way in promoting religious diversity and understanding.”  

“We applaud Houston ISD’s leadership for taking this important step toward ensuring that all students and staff feel respected and valued, regardless of their faith. We hope other school districts in Texas and nationwide will follow Houston ISD’s example.”  

CAIR-Houston is a chapter of the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States. CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.  

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CONTACT: CAIR-Houston Director William White, w-white@cair.com, 713-254-2016