The New York Assembly has passed a bill making the Lunar New Year a school holiday in districts where a large number of students would otherwise be absent anyways, reports the Legislative Gazzette.
The bill applies to any religious observance or other holidays such as Diwali, the Festival of Lights, but Lunar New Year has been a day many schools with large Asian populations have seen a high number of absences.
“The Asian American community has contributed so much to our local and state economy as the fastest growing group in New York City, and this legislation truly offers up the recognition and appreciation that they deserve,” said Ron Kim, (D-Queens) which sponsored the bill.
The bill now moves on to the Senate.
RE: Bill to make Lunar New Year a holiday passes first hurdle. This is a “no brainer”. It’s interesting to note that Teaneck , NJ has lunar new year as a off day for school kids….go figure….