HARTFORD, CT, 11/24/25) — The Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CT), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, applauds the Glastonbury Board of Education for its recent decision to recognize Eid-ul-Fitr as an official district-wide holiday in their school district starting in 2027.
[NOTE: Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and marital relations from break of dawn to sunset. The end of Ramadan is marked with the Eid ul-Fitr (EED-al-FITTER), or “feast of fast breaking” holiday, often referred to simply as “Eid.” Many communities hold multicultural bazaars and other family activities following the Eid prayers.]
CAIR-CT said landmark decision by Glastonbury reflects the district’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and religious accommodation, and it represents a significant step forward in ensuring that the needs of Muslim students and families are acknowledged and respected within Connecticut’s educational system.
“We deeply appreciate the Glastonbury Board of Education for their thoughtful leadership and meaningful commitment to honoring the significance of Eid-ul-Fitr for Muslim students and families,” said Farhan Memon, Chairman of CAIR-CT. “By officially designating Eid as a district-wide holiday, the Board has taken a profound step toward creating a truly inclusive and welcoming school environment – one where every student feels respected, represented, and supported.”
[NOTE: CAIR-CT offers a booklet, called “Educator’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices“, designed to help school officials provide a positive learning environment for Muslim students.]
Eid-ul-Fitr holds great significance for Muslims around the world, marking the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan and a time of celebration, reflection, and community. The recognition of Eid-ul-Fitr as a holiday in the school calendar not only affirms the religious freedoms of Muslim students but also contributes to their overall well-being and sense of belonging.
“By adding Eid to the school calendar, the Board has taken a proactive and compassionate step to ensure that Muslim students can fully observe their religious traditions with their families – without the fear of missing important schoolwork, activities, or exams,” added Memon. “This kind of recognition and respect for all communities is one of the many reasons why Connecticut is such a great place to live and raise families.”
Glastonbury joins several other school districts in Connecticut which have added Eid-ul-Fitr to the school calendar in recent years including Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, Trumbull, Fairfield, Milford, West Haven, Orange, New Haven, Hamden, Waterbury, New Britain, South Windsor, and Manchester.
CAIR-CT urges superintendents in districts that have not yet recognized Eid-ul-Fitr as a school holiday to begin meaningful discussions with their local Muslim communities. Muslim families in Cheshire, Stratford, North Haven, and Farmington are already actively engaging with their Boards of Education to advocate for this recognition. While some superintendents have not responded to CAIR-CT’s requests for meetings, several Boards of Education have taken positive steps by engaging in thoughtful conversations with community members about how recognizing Eid supports students’ mental health, overall well-being, and sense of belonging.
CAIR-CT recognizes the importance of religious accommodation in educational settings and remains committed to advocating for the rights of Muslim students and families across Connecticut.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
CONTACT: For media inquiries, please contact: Farhan Memon Chairman (CAIR-CT) fmemon@cair.com or 203-517-6526 (cell)