New York makes Asian Lunar New Year a public holiday

ALBANY, N.Y. (WCAX) - New York students have another holiday to look forward to on the calendar.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a law declaring the Asian Lunar New Year as a holiday for public schools in the Empire State. The new law would make sure public schools are not in session on the holiday.

Hochul called it a great way to recognize the state’s diversity, and an opportunity to talk about different cultures and traditions in the classroom.

“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,” Hochul, D-New York, said in a statement. “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.”

The next Lunar New Year is Feb. 10, 2024.

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