The MSU Board of Trustees’ unanimous decision to indefinitely uphold Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a holiday is commendable.
For the past three years, MLK Day has been observed at the university strictly on a trial basis. A final decision was made Wednesday after the board saw that students were observing the holiday and attending campus-organized events commemorating the fallen civil rights leader.
Classes were not held on MLK Day beginning in 1999. Results have shown an increasing number of students have participated in holiday events as a result of cancellation of class.
The university has successfully provided various events for students to remember King. The school continues to provide new and original events to draw more student awareness.
More than 1,000 people were involved in the MLK march from Beaumont Tower to Wharton Center this year. About 3,000 students attended a speech by Kweisi Mfume, president and chief executive officer of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, at Wharton Center’s Pasant Theatre.
The holiday celebrates King and his message of equality. By continuing with this holiday, the university is helping to create awareness and equality throughout the student body.
Involving everyone in the commemoration of King demonstrates the university’s understanding of the importance of equality.
With increasing participation rates amongst students, it is only fair to include the entire populace of the school - including faculty and staff. Currently, this group does not get the holiday off. Participation by faculty and staff in campus events can only further enrich the expression and thought of ideas amongst participants.
Promoting a campus wide event that includes all members of the MSU community will help keep King’s legacy alive and undoubtedly impact many individuals.
The university should maintain promoting King’s message year after year to draw more participants. It is fundamental that students who have not participated in MLK Day events take action and attend. His message is a key part of the country’s history and future - and a further understanding of his cause becomes more clear when students attend events.
The university has provided its students a chance to explore part of their rights. It is important for them not to take this “free day” for granted. Students should explore all facets of King’s ideals.
The Board of Trustees’ decision to acknowledge King’s accomplishments by not holding class was an excellent decision, but it should be a day for everyone on campus to celebrate - including the faculty and staff. Students should continue attending campus events, and those who have not participated in the past should take the opportunity to learn about King’s dream for America.
