Monroe Woodbury Student Urges School to Recognize Both Eid Holidays

At the Monroe Woodbury school board meeting on November 19, senior Zayed Kadir returned to the podium to press district leaders to officially recognize both major Muslim holidays on the school calendar. The district approved a student calendar that includes Superintendent Conference Day on March 20, which this year coincides with Eid al Fitr. Kadir thanked the board for that recognition, but said the gesture did not go far enough because Eid al Adha in late May is not acknowledged.

“On May 27 of next year, I will be asked to make the choice: Do I attend school or do I go celebrate my holiday?” Kadir said, describing the practical and emotional weight of having to pick between class and religious observance. He also explained that although students may choose to take the day off, they face the burden of making up missed work, a deterrent for many.

Kadir framed the issue as one of belonging, noting the district s growing Muslim student population. “When you don’t have recognition for a holiday...the lack of it makes [underrepresented students] feel othered, different,” he said. “And if Monroe Woodbury wants to give our students an inclusive environment then you have to have recognition for our holidays as well.”

The student plea comes amid state level conversations about school calendars. Earlier this year members of the State Senate including State Senator James Skoufis introduced a measure to amend education law to allow districts to recognize religious and cultural holidays based on their student population. The bill remains under review by the Education Committee, leaving districts to weigh local demands against existing policies.

Board discussion at the meeting also touched on long term facilities work. Assistant Superintendent for Business Management Services Patrick Cahill, Director of Facilities Andrzej Rudiak and representatives from The Palombo Group outlined a four phase capital project that will upgrade building exteriors, interiors and electrical and mechanical systems across all district buildings. Construction is expected to conclude by Spring 2029.

For families and students in Orange County, the debate over calendar recognition is about more than days off. It affects access to religious practice, academic equity, and the sense that schools reflect and respect the diversity of their communities. As state lawmakers consider giving districts more authority to act, local policymakers will face decisions that touch on inclusion, student wellbeing and educational fairness.