Summary of Bill S 553

Bill Overview

• Bill Number: S 553
• Title: Relates to observance of all religious holidays by institutions within the state university and the city university of New York, and includes the Asian Lunar New Year within the definition of such holidays.
• Status: Referred to Higher Education
• Introduced: January 08, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill S 553 is to ensure that all religious holidays are recognized and observed by institutions within the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY). A significant addition to this bill is the inclusion of the Asian Lunar New Year as an officially recognized holiday, reflecting the diverse cultural and religious practices of the student body.

Key Provisions

• Recognition of Religious Holidays: The bill mandates that SUNY and CUNY institutions observe all religious holidays, thereby promoting inclusivity and respect for diverse faiths.
• Inclusion of Asian Lunar New Year: Specifically adds the Asian Lunar New Year to the list of recognized holidays, acknowledging its importance to many students and faculty members within these university systems.

Impact

• Students and Faculty: The bill aims to benefit students and faculty from various religious backgrounds by allowing them to observe their holidays without academic penalties or conflicts.
• University Policies: Institutions will need to review and potentially revise their academic calendars and policies to accommodate the observance of these holidays.

Legislative Actions

• 2025-01-08: Bill referred to Higher Education Committee.
• 2025-02-03: First report calendar.
• 2025-02-04: Second report calendar.
• 2025-02-05: Advanced to third reading.
• 2025-02-26: Passed in the Senate and delivered to the Assembly, where it was again referred to the Higher Education Committee.

Related Bills

This bill is related to several prior-session bills, including:
- S 914
- S 684
- S 7176
- S 1560
- S 5695
- S 1137
- S 2208
- A 285 (companion bill)

Conclusion

Bill S 553 represents a significant step towards inclusivity in higher education by formally recognizing the importance of religious observances, particularly the Asian Lunar New Year. Its passage could lead to a more accommodating academic environment for students and faculty from diverse backgrounds. The bill is currently under consideration in the Assembly following its successful passage in the Senate.