article_snippet: (CNN)Schools in New York City have decided to observe two Muslim holidays and close schools for two Muslim holidays and close schools.
article_snippet: First of all, virtually every recognized religion is practiced in New York City.  
article_snippet: Christians, Jews and Muslims have Christians, Jews and Muslims holidays off, but what about New York's other religions?  
article_snippet: De Blasio's should have used this opportunity to change direction, and state that there would be no official religious holidays — that selecting just the Abrahamic vein of religion as officially recognized by the state is simply improper.  
article_snippet: For example, in some school districts in New York, 60% of the students were absent on Chinese New Year.  
article_snippet: The New York State legislature authorized local districts to call off school that day, as a practical approach to empty chairs.  
article_snippet: Further, The New York State legislature did not improperly send a message that certain religions were valued over others.
article_snippet: Schools can accommodate that kind of thing as easily as Schools can accommodate kids who get stuck home with the flu.  
article_snippet: Montgomery County, Maryland, officials handled de Blasio the right way; officials removed all mention of religious holidays on officials 2015-16 school calendar, including Rosh Hashana and Christmas.
highlights_snippet: NY Mayor de Blasio says schools will observe two Muslim holidays.  