Eid, a Muslim holiday, marks the end of the fast of Ramadan. The festival is celebrated marking the culmination of the annual Mecca pilgrimage and commemorating the sacrifice of Abraham. Syosset Central School District, located in Nassau County on Long Island, will be the first school district to observe Muslim, Hindu holidays including this one.

While over the years many students of Islamic or Hindu faith have had to choose between celebrating their holiest of holidays or attending school, the choice has been made in favor of them. No longer will this be a choice, for they have been granted days off from school to observe. They will be given days off for Diwali, Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr. They are family orientated holidays promoting what students should be focusing on on those specific days.

The vote took place on Monday, and was unanimous to accepting these as days of observation. Starting in the 2017/2018 school year, these days will be factored in as days off. Over 700 people signed a petition to jump start this, and they are all celebrating now.

There has been backlash from outside the community though. People are saying that this is just the start of letting students miss school. Next they will be allowed to take off for holidays that don't even exist and that they have been sucked into the idea of multiculturalism and political correctness. In a community where the "Other" category of demographics is quickly growing these students shouldn't have to choose what is more important to them. While Schools remain secular, students are still allowed to observe outside of the classroom.

Considering the districts significant percentages of members who don't identify as white, this was the right decision. No one is giving students off for Arbor Day or National Taco Day but instead giving students who normally wouldn't attend school due to religious obligations an excused absence.

There is no longer time for debate though, the vote is in. Congrats Syosset on opening your doors to acceptance.