Mike wrote:
> I've got a couple of problems with this. First, are
> African-American students the only group that has a
> recent to celebrate King's birthday? (The implication
> is that others are just enjoying someone else's celebration.)
Just the opposite. If, as I stated, you allowed ONLY African-Americans off
for the holiday (on the assumption that MLK was a Black hero only), it would
be discriminatory--while by allowing all students off you demonstrate
recognition of both the importance of MLK to the entire US population and
"color-blindness."
> Second, why should ANY religious holiday be allowed if we don't
> allow all of them.
I happen to agree with that.
But then again, I'm coming from the perspective that NO religious holiday
should be _formally_ recognized by the State, not that all of them should.
Religion is a matter of personal choice, and should not have any role in
determining academic policy in any department other than those dealing with
religion directly (i.e., Theology, etc.).
> If you want to pass that error to the administration, why are they
> allowed to favor Christian and (sometimes) Jewish holidays?
Because those religions are powerful enough in this country to force them
to do so, of course!
I'd rather see NO religious exceptions--but a given number of "free" days
students could use as they see fit (religious holidays, day at the beach,
etc.) instead. That way those who are religious could use the days off to
practice their choice of religion while those who are not could simply enjoy
the respite from work.
> Maybe I shouldn't say anything. Our administration took away
> Labor Day last year. Christmas can't be far behind!
Fine with me--I'm a Tantric Buddhist (and, yes, Buddha's Birthday IS a
holiday--the administration just doesn't know it!) :-)
Rick Adams
--
Rick Adams
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Department of Social Sciences
Jackson Community College
2111 Emmons Rd.
Jackson, MI 49201
