Asian-American community applauds mayor on Lunar New Year school closing
Mayor Bill de Blasio’s decision to have New York’s public schools observe the Lunar New Year holiday is a sign of the growing political clout of the city’s Asian-American community, according to political observers, who noted that the mayor’s decision came after intense pressure from advocates.
The mayor announced on Tuesday that from now on, public schools will be closed in observance of the Lunar New Year, a major holiday celebrated by Asian-Americans.
Nancy Tong, the Democratic District leader of the 47th Assembly District, said she was pleased that the mayor decided to close schools for the Lunar New Year because it signifies the city’s respect for Asian-American New Yorkers.