'We're going to be the majority soon': Muslim parents outraged over denial of religious holiday in New Jersey schools

The Jersey City Board of Education thinks the holiday should not be recognized.

The Jersey City Board of Education voted last week not to close schools in observation of one of Islam's most important days, Eid al-Adha, despite appeals made by Muslim parents.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - At least one Muslim parent was escorted out of the meeting following the decision not to close schools in observation of Ed al-Adha.

The Blaze reported an argument broke out between parents and board officials. Security had to step in and "take charge." In a video caught during the argument, the meeting became heated as Muslim parents attempted to persuade board members to change the decision in favor of the holiday.

"We feel alienated from the Board of Education, we feel alienated from this system," said Omar Abouelkhair through statement with the WNBC-TV.

New Jersey did not declare the same religious observation measures New York City did. New York will close schools beginning this year for the Muslim holiday per the decision of Mayor Bill de Blasio last March.

The Board decision frustrated Muslim parents for the first time.
 
"We're going to be the majority soon," said one parent but the point fell to the sidelines. The Festival of Sacrifice and Eid al-Fitr are two important Muslim holidays, neither of which has altered the board's decision.

The board remained unmoved by the parent's declaration, stating their decision was made in consideration of the many other parents, students and even other religious observations. New Jersey does not close schools for Jewish holidays either, explained the board. They determined the Muslim advocacy to declare the holiday a non-school day would cause trouble for the other parents.

"Doing this at this point on six days notice [sic] for this upcoming holiday is going to cause undue hardship on 5,000 to 10,000 people who are going to have to scramble to get coverage for their children," said board member Gerald Lyons, as quoted from NBC New York.

Muslim students can choose not to come to school on the important religious day and will not be reprimanded or marked as absent by any of the New Jersey schools.

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