Lunar New Year, one of the most important celebrations to East and Southeast Asian cultures around the globe, is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. And while NYS has the second largest Asian population across the country (NYC alone is made up of nearly 15% of people who identify as Asian), Lunar New Year was never considered an official NYS public holiday.
That is until now!
The New York State Assembly recently announced the passage of a bill that officially recognizes Lunar New Year as a statewide public school holiday. The bill requires that all public schools in New York State close on the holiday.
Passing the bill wasn’t exactly easy, however, as disagreements between lawmakers debated whether the acknowledgement of the holiday should be statewide or just in NYC (though the city’s leaders already recognize the holiday on the school calendar).
Though many people felt it was important to pass the bill as a way to recognize the rich and diverse culture found within New York.
“I’m proud New York State is providing the time needed for students and their families to honor and celebrate Lunar New Year,” said Speaker Carl Heastie after the bill passed.
“This bill and the push to make New Yorkers aware of Lunar New Year has been a long time coming,” added Assemblymember William Colton, “We not only hope that students and staff who celebrate now have a day off to spend with friends and family, but those who may not have been aware of the holiday, may spend time with neighbors or community members learning more about the celebration.”
The bill now awaits approval from Governor Kathy Hochul, and, if approved, will go into effect on July 1. You can stay up to date with the status of the bill here.
Coinciding with this bill, state lawmakers also approved a bill that will make Diwali a city school holiday if signed into law by Governor Hochul.