The Hilliard City Schools Board of Education has unanimously voted to recognize the Muslim Holiday Eid al-Fitr on the school calendar. The district will give all students the day off.
The holiday is celebrated after Ramadan, a month of fasting, worship, and good deeds.
Earlier this year, a group of Muslim students had presented the board with a petition with signatures requesting the holiday which varies each year since it is linked with the lunar calendar.
"Making it easier for students to celebrate Eid without sacrificing their schoolwork demonstrates our district's commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and equity," said Hilliard City Schools District Director of Communications, Stacie Raterman said in an email.
The district said close to 20% of students were absent this year on the holiday.
The Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) praised the decision in a press release.
"CAIR-Ohio encourages other school districts to include Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in their calendars and offer resources to students, parents, and schools regarding inclusive environments and religious accommodations," the organization said.
The 2022 to 2023 calendar is not affected.
