Jewish teachers determined to clean for Pesach clashed with the Department of Education, which denied them one day off before Passover to deep clean their homes and get rid of all of their chametz, breaking with a longstanding tradition since 1999 to grant them that day as a religious exemption. The group of 20 Orthodox teachers, led by United Jewish Teachers president Moshe Spern, lodged a formal complaint against the Department of Education last year, only to find out in February that they lost their case.

The only way to get the time to clean their homes will be to use their personal days or vacation days.

Spern cried foul, slamming the decision, which he called “wrong” and which he said “borders on religious discrimination.” The group is now considering requesting an arbitration hearing.

“The DOE and new Chancellor Samuels reaffirming an awful decision from last year is not only wrong but definitely borders on religious discrimination,” Spern said, referring to Kamar Samuels, the New York City schools chancellor.

The Department of Education said in a statement, “We respect the religious observances of all employees and provide reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and operational needs.”