“As New Yorkers welcome the Year of the Monkey, the City is showing an increased commitment to recognizing our diverse communities throughout the five boroughs by officially recognizing the holiday for the first time. After years of advocacy from the Council and community organizations, our city’s public school students no longer have to choose between missing a day of school and celebrating this significant holiday. This City Council will continue to work and advocate for a city that respects and values all the diverse communities of New York. I thank the de Blasio Administration for helping to make New York more inclusive for people of all backgrounds, and wish all New Yorkers a happy Lunar New Year.”