Speaker Heastie Statement on Lunar New Year Becoming a Holiday in New York State Public Schools

New York State is beautifully diverse, with people from different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds living, working and raising families together. Making Lunar New Year a holiday for our public schools will give thousands of Asian students in our state the ability to gather together and celebrate with family and friends without having to sacrifice their education.

I hope this will also shine a light on the culture and traditions of our Asian friends and neighbors, and in a time where we have seen hate and violence against Asian communities, this will open people's eyes, encouraging tolerance and acceptance.