I think if there are enough students who observe in the school then they should call the day off. If not just follow the law and allow excused absences. it should be about how it impact school. lots of kids out? then they need the day off.

If the schools recognize Christmas, Good Friday, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, then why are so many of you voting against Eid? Christians get 2 holidays, Jews get 2 holidays, why is it not fair that Muslims get 2 holidays? Stop bing schmucks and allow people time with their families on their sacred days. What is wrong with you "no" voters?

With all due respect: if only a small amount of students in Teaneck celebrate this holidays then how could the school possibly justify closing the entire school district? I dont think that makes any sense. They are required to provide 180 days plus snow days. if you make an exception for one case then it opens the doors to everything else. However I think if they research and find out lots of students are out anyway they should close. the holidays should reflect the student body.

I can barely find someone to watch my children on winter break, spring break as well as the other religious holidays and teacher days off. Unfortunetely, my husband and I both have to work during all these days. If the school system is willing to offer some sort of free camp then fine have the day. Otherwise its not fair to working parents.

In view of the teachings in their holy book, I would not be inclined to give them anything.After all the rest of us are all infidels aren't we?

I certainly hope you are joking Robert! thats an absurd statement otherwise.

Robert- Muslims do not believe that only Muslims can go to heaven. Also, the Qur'an teaches Muslims to respect both Jews and Christians in their religious beliefs.

I think that they should be allowed excused absences, to start. Then see how many are out if there are a majority of the kids out then take it to the next level. I thought a majority of Muslim kids went to there own schools didn't realize that so many went to public schools.

It is certainly within the rights of any group, religious or otherwise in this country to ask for certain days to be recognized by public institutions for their importance to that group. How that recognition is done, and how it impacts those that do not share in the importance of the day is for the public to discuss and decide. Certainly the number that would celebrate that day is part of that discussion. The idea of excused absences appears in this instance to be a reasonable one. In general it has to do with what the majority of the population is that sets up the recognized celebrations. Hisotrically we have been a christian/judaic country, so those holidays tradionally for us have been the ones off as they represent perhaps the majority of the population. i would not be against something for the Muslim community.

Robert- I'm not sure what you're reading but it can't possibly be the Qur'an. Do you base your beliefs about Islam off of the actions of delusional men from 9/11. I don't know any pure-hearted Muslim who would support their behavior. It's like saying that Timothy McVey was a good example of a Christian or that the religious crusaders who conquered all of the Native American tribes through bloody massacres were the leaders of a peaceful religion... The media paints a much different picture than reality and it will take education to overcome the "extremist" media claims of what everyday Muslims are like. Not to ramble, but did you know that TLC rolled out a show called All American Muslims a few months ago. The show had over 1 million viewers per episode but it was dropped from the network because of too many complaints from viewers that "they did not look like or act like stereotypical Muslims." Not every woman wears a hijab (veil), not every man has a scruffy beard. Some have tatoos, some smoke, some drink, some go to prayers, some don't pray. Not every terrorist is Muslim, and not every Muslim is a terrorist. Anyone who follows any "main" religion (and maybe others but I don't know enough about them) would say that only God can judge a person by his heart and actions.

Not to prolong this discussion but it is common knowledge that their Quran teaches hatred and intolderance. And yes Jews and Christians are considered infidels. Sorry but we don't have the luxury of trust anymore or should we wait for the next Jihad?

Robert,I agree with you 100% I guess many of those responding are misinformed & are unaware of the demonstrations in Europe by the so-called "peaceful" Muslims shouting death to all non-Muslim peoples.

I think that there are a few separate issues at play here.
1. does the nature of the holiday preclude attending school? are there religious laws that would make it impossible for a student to attend without breaking those rules? This is the case with certain jewish holidays.
2. is the holiday considered a national holiday so the services going along with schooling (buses etc) are closed? Christmas, regardless of its religious source is a day off because getting students to school would be daunting.
3. what percentage of the population would be missing school on that day and what threshold has been used to decide of a school's being open? if a percentage policy has been established, it should be applied. if not, one should be established. and if this means that students of other religions who are in a substantial minority miss a day of school, then so be it.

Any possibility that you could please quote these surahs? I'd like to reference the Qur'an and read what is "common knowledge".

If we give the Muslims their holidays off-then why not the Hindus. It should only be if the number of students in a school-belonging to a certain religion-are over a certain percentage-they would then get their holidays off

How come nobody commented on my demonstrations in Europe remark ? I guess because it's true & can't be denied. I saw the film clips of it & it was disgraceful.