California legislators are currently advancing a new bill that would officially designate two significant Muslim holy days as state holidays. The proposed legislation also grants authority for the state to develop a new model curriculum designed to help students "acknowledge and celebrate" these religious observances within educational environments.
The bill, identified as AB 2017, successfully passed the State Assembly with a commanding 64-1 vote and has since moved forward to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Authored by Assemblyman Matt Haney, a Democrat representing San Francisco, the measure seeks to establish Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha — two pivotal holidays observed by Muslims globally — as official state holidays. Furthermore, it provides local public school boards and community colleges with the discretion to close their campuses for both of these holidays.
While both Eid holidays are traditionally celebrated over a period of three to four days, the legislation specifies a single day of observance for each on the state calendar.
Legislation Details and Rationale
Assemblyman Haney stated that the legislation is intended to safeguard religious diversity and acknowledge the traditions of California's substantial Muslim population, estimated at 500,000 residents.
California is home to one of the largest and most vibrant Muslim communities in the country, and their traditions deserve recognition and respect. No student should have to choose between celebrating one of the holiest days of their faith and showing up to school, and no worker should feel they have to sacrifice their religious observance. AB 2017 is about making sure Muslim Californians are seen, valued, and treated with the same dignity as every other community in our state.
Haney emphasized that no student should be forced to choose between observing a significant religious day and attending school, nor should employees feel compelled to forgo their religious practices. He affirmed that AB 2017 aims to ensure Muslim Californians receive the same recognition, value, and respect as other communities within the state.
Debates Over Classroom Celebrations
However, a specific clause within the bill's text, which would introduce the celebration of these religious holidays into the classroom, has attracted criticism from a prominent conservative advocacy organization.
According to the language of AB 2017, public schools that opt to observe these days may incorporate exercises that "acknowledg[e] and celebrat[e] the meaning and importance" of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
The bill further authorizes the State Board of Education to develop a model curriculum guide for these educational exercises, with funding to be sourced from existing resources.
A spokesperson for the California Family Council argued that this bill contravenes long-established state guidelines on neutrality. These guidelines permit instruction about the historical impact of religion but strictly prohibit public schools from acting as sponsors for religious celebrations.
The spokesperson highlighted common school district policies, citing those from the Fresno County Board of Education, which explicitly state:
While teaching about religious holidays is a permissible part of the educational program, celebrating religious holidays is not allowed in the public schools. School-sponsored programs shall not be, nor have the effect of being, religiously oriented or a religious celebration.
The California Family Council also noted that many school districts have removed references to Christian holidays and traditions from their calendars, opting for terms like "Spring" and "Winter" break to avoid any appearance of promoting Easter or Christmas.
The organization contended that AB 2017 would grant "preferential treatment" to the Islamic faith over other religions and "could create pressure on schools to formally participate in or promote religious observances."
Committee Findings and Support for Equity
Conversely, the official review conducted by the Senate Committee on Education provided an analysis stating:
Though the California Constitution prohibits public schools from teaching any sectarian or denominational doctrine, it does not prohibit instruction about religion.
The committee concluded that AB 2017 aligns with the existing state education code, which permits instruction on religious literature, dance, music, and arts, provided it relates to the course of study and is not intended to promote a specific religion. Their assessment determined that the bill "does not authorize religious indoctrination."
If enacted, Eid would join an expanding list of cultural and religious days recognized by the state, allowing for optional district-wide school closures. AB 2017 is structured similarly to AB 268, which took effect in January 2026. That earlier bill established Diwali as an official state holiday, authorized optional school district closures, and permitted the state board to adopt a model curriculum guide for its celebration.
Advocates for AB 2017, including the Muslim advocacy group CAIR California, assert that the bill aims to address existing inequities in both educational institutions and the workplace.
A representative from CAIR California reiterated that the bill is part of a broader state initiative to foster inclusivity across all communities.
AB 2017 is part of a broader, inclusive framework for all communities. It clarifies that public institutions may observe Eid, which is consistent with California's existing recognition of cultural and religious observances, such as Lunar New Year and Diwali. Recognizing Eid alongside these holidays reflects our state’s ongoing commitment to cultural diversity and religious equity for all.
