Houston: The Houston Independent School District (HISD) has removed Eid al-Fitr as a school holiday for the 2025-26 academic year, sparking criticism from local Muslim advocacy groups.
The district, which had observed the holiday since 2023, now faces calls to reinstate it.
Key Facts:
- HISD previously recognized Eid al-Fitr as a school holiday starting in 2023 but removed it from the 2025-26 calendar.
- CAIR-Houston is leading the push to reinstate the holiday, citing concerns over inclusivity.
- Eid al-Fitr is expected to begin on March 19, 2026, a Thursday, but no school holiday has been scheduled.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Houston chapter has urged HISD to reconsider its decision, arguing that removing Eid al-Fitr as a school holiday undermines religious inclusivity.
“It’s a gut punch. It’s a real disappointment right now,” said Will White, CAIR-Houston’s director. “We hope HISD will see that this is the wrong move to make and that they will rescind this and make the right decision.”
HISD stated that its school calendar was developed with feedback from families and staff, balancing instructional days with holiday observance.
The district assured families that students who take the day off for religious reasons would not be penalized and could make up missed assignments.
However, many Muslim families feel the removal of Eid al-Fitr puts them at a disadvantage compared to students who observe Christian and Jewish holidays, such as Good Friday and Yom Kippur, which remain on the calendar.
Local parents expressed frustration, fearing their children will have to choose between their education and religious observance.
“The prayer of Eid is done as a congregation, so thinking about how the district decided not to recognize it … It doesn’t feel fair. It really feels like an exclusion,” said Sana Younus, a Muslim parent of two HISD students.
Houston is home to approximately 200,000 Muslims, making it the largest Muslim population in Texas.
As such, CAIR-Houston continues to encourage parents, students, and community members to contact HISD leadership and advocate for reinstating Eid al-Fitr as a district-wide holiday.
Do You Know?
Houston has one of the most diverse populations in the United States, with over 145 languages spoken in the city, making it one of the most multicultural urban centers in the country. (Source: City of Houston)
Key Terms:
Eid al-Fitr: An Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan, celebrated with prayers, feasts, and community gatherings.
CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations): A national Muslim advocacy organization working to protect civil rights and promote understanding.
HISD (Houston Independent School District): The largest public school district in Texas, serving over 190,000 students.