U.S. Immigration: According to overseas media, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio stated that New York City will become the largest school district in the United States to observe a holiday for the Lunar New Year.
De Blasio revealed this decision on his Twitter account, stating that the move aims to make New York a "more inclusive city." Many Asian countries celebrate the Lunar New Year (also known as Spring Festival), and the next Lunar New Year on February 8, 2016, will be the first Spring Festival holiday enjoyed by students in the New York school district.
Reports indicate that, according to data from the New York City Department of Education, approximately 16% of the 1.1 million public school students in New York City are of Asian descent. Advocacy organizations have been calling for schools to observe a holiday during the Spring Festival for several years.
Reports citing The New York Times state that this will allow children from Asian families in the city to spend this important holiday with their families without affecting school attendance.
De Blasio had previously stated during his 2013 campaign for mayor that he would seek to designate the Lunar New Year as a school holiday. However, the New York State government has already begun drafting a bill to designate the Lunar New Year as a school holiday. If passed, this would allow New York State to realize this vision ahead of New York City.
Reports indicate that in New York City, when the Lunar New Year falls on a weekday, many Asian students do not attend classes. The government schools in San Francisco have already designated the Lunar New Year as a school holiday for many years.