Lunar New Year Now a NY School Holiday

A New York State bill establishing Lunar New Year as a school holiday lies next to a box of commemorative pens.
The New York State bill establishing Lunar New Year as a school holiday, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul, is displayed alongside a box of commemorative pens.

If your son or daughter attends a public school, they’ll be getting an extra day off every school year starting in 2024. This, after Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill over the weekend declaring Asian Lunar New Year a holiday.

Legislation (A.7768/S.7573) amends the education law to declare Asian Lunar New Year a public school holiday statewide. The legislation requires that all public schools close for the Lunar New Year holiday.     

By designating Lunar New Year as an official school holiday, we are taking an important step in recognizing the importance of New York’s AAPI community and the rich diversity that makes New York so great,” Governor Hochul said. “It is not just a day off from school – it is an opportunity for our children to learn about and celebrate their own or different cultures and traditions.”  

 

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