A7769
An act to amend the Education Law - designating Diwali as a school holiday in New York City — 2023-06-10 · Calendar #1859
The Senate unanimously passed A7769, designating Diwali as a school holiday in New York City, on a 62-0 roll call vote. The bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Rajkumar and carried in the Senate by Sen. Addabbo, recognizes the cultural and spiritual significance of the Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist festival to New York's growing population of these faiths. Supporters emphasized that Diwali, which typically lasts five days and celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, is one of the most celebrated holidays in the world. The bill allows students and families to celebrate the holiday without missing school. The measure takes effect July 1, 2023.
PASSED
Ayes: 62
· Nays: 0
Debate Summary
Senators highlighted the cultural and spiritual significance of Diwali, the Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist festival celebrating the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Sen. Addabbo, the bill sponsor, emphasized that the holiday is important to the growing population of New Yorkers of these faiths and that the bill sends a positive message in contemporary times. Sen. Chu noted that Diwali is typically celebrated for five days and that the bill allows students to participate in celebrations without missing school. Sen. Liu thanked Sen. Addabbo for carrying the bill and noted its importance to the AAPI community.