The Houston chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Houston) is calling on the Houston Independent School District (HISD) to reinstate Eid al-Fitr as an official school holiday for the 2025-2026 academic calendar.

Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is one of the most significant holidays in Islam, observed by thousands of Muslim families across Houston. In the 2024-2025 school calendar year, HISD recognized the holiday, allowing Muslim students and staff to celebrate with their families without having to choose between their faith and their education. However, the recent exclusion of Eid from the 2025-2026 school calendar is a step backward in fostering inclusivity and religious accommodation within the district.

“The removal of Eid as a school holiday is deeply disappointing for the thousands of Muslim families in HISD,” said William White, Director of CAIR-Houston. “HISD has an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to diversity and equity by ensuring that all students, regardless of their religious background, feel seen and valued.”

CAIR-Houston urges HISD to listen to the Muslim community and reinstate Eid as a district-wide holiday. The organization also encourages parents, students, and community members to contact HISD leadership and advocate for this essential accommodation.

CAIR also encourages parents and educators to review its Ramadan Accommodation Toolkit, which provides essential guidance for schools on ensuring Muslim students can observe Ramadan comfortably and without barriers.

CAIR-Houston remains committed to ensuring that Muslim students receive the respect and recognition they deserve within public education institutions.

CAIR’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. 

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CONTACT: William White, Director, CAIR-Houston, w-white@cair.com, 713-254-2016