The Fight for Lunar New Year Recognition
What began as a student-led initiative has evolved into a powerful community movement advocating for inclusivity and cultural recognition in Quincy Public Schools. In 2021, North Quincy High School junior Angela Chen started a petition urging the school district to recognize Lunar New Year as an official school holiday. The petition quickly gained momentum, collecting over a thousand signatures and rallying support from students across Quincy. Despite the overwhelming community backing, the Quincy School Committee voted 6-1 against the proposal, dismissing the voices of students and families advocating for change.
Refusing to be discouraged, a dedicated group of Asian parents took up the cause in August 2022, forming a coalition that continued to push for recognition. They attended school committee meetings, spoke out at public forums, and worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the significance of Lunar New Year—not just as a day off but as a symbol of respect for Quincy’s growing and diverse Asian population, which now comprises nearly 40% of the student body.
As the movement gained traction, it garnered widespread community support. Local leaders, advocacy groups, and residents from all backgrounds joined the effort, recognizing that this fight was about more than just a holiday—it was about ensuring that the school system reflects and respects the students it serves. Even as the Mayor and City Council backed the initiative, the school committee, which holds the ultimate authority over the school calendar, refused to take action.
Today, the fight continues. Quincy’s diverse community is calling for a school system that is fair, inclusive, and representative of its students. Tom Leung stands firmly with this movement, believing that recognizing Lunar New Year is a crucial step toward a more equitable and culturally respectful education system. He is running for School Committee to ensure that all students see their identities valued and celebrated within their schools.
(Scroll down below for links to news, articles and videos of the community's fight for Lunar New Year as a school holiday)
Lunar New Year on The News
