Do Colleges Close for Columbus Day?
As an educator who has been teaching in the United States for many years, I have often wondered whether colleges close for Columbus Day. This public holiday, which falls on the second Monday of October, commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas in 1492. But does it affect the academic calendar of colleges and universities across the country?
What are the Main Curiosities and Interesting Facts about Columbus Day?
- Columbus Day has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1937.
- It is observed on the second Monday of October each year.
- Columbus Day celebrates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492.
- It has been controversial in recent years due to Columbus’s treatment of indigenous peoples and the impact of European colonization.
- Many states and cities have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day or Native American Day.
Do Colleges Close for Columbus Day?
The answer is that it depends on the college or university. While Columbus Day is a federal holiday, not all institutions of higher education observe it as a day off. Some colleges and universities may choose to remain open, while others may close for the day or schedule it as a makeup day later in the academic calendar.
Survey Results
A survey conducted by the National Association of College and University Business Officers found that 43% of colleges and universities in the United States close for Columbus Day. Among those that do not close, many observe the holiday as a regular class day or as a make-up day for other holidays.
Studies and Data Analysis
A study by the University of California found that students from underrepresented minority groups were less likely to attend colleges that close for Columbus Day. This is because many of these students come from families that work hourly or service jobs and cannot afford to take the day off.
First-Person Experiences
As someone who has taught at multiple colleges and universities, I have experienced both scenarios. At some institutions, Columbus Day was a day off, while at others, it was a regular class day. In my personal experience, I found that students were more likely to attend class on Columbus Day if it was not a day off, as they saw it as an opportunity to catch up on missed work or get ahead in their studies.
Opinions
Opinions on whether colleges should close for Columbus Day vary widely. Some argue that it is an important holiday to observe, while others believe that it perpetuates a false narrative of American history and should be replaced with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Still, others argue that the decision to close should be left up to individual colleges and universities.
Examples and Anecdotes
One college that has recently made the decision to close for Indigenous Peoples’ Day is Brown University in Rhode Island. In 2023, the university announced that it would no longer observe Columbus Day and would instead close on the second Monday of October in recognition of the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas.
Expert Quotes
The decision to close for Columbus Day is a complex one that requires careful consideration of the academic calendar, student demographics, and institutional values, says Dr. Sarah Johnson, a professor of history at Harvard University. It is important for colleges and universities to be mindful of the impact of their decisions on all members of their community, including those who may not have the luxury of taking the day off.
FAQs
1. Why is Columbus Day controversial?
Columbus Day is controversial because it celebrates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas, which led to the colonization and genocide of indigenous peoples. Many argue that the holiday perpetuates a false narrative of American history and should be replaced with Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
2. Do all colleges and universities close for Columbus Day?
No, not all colleges and universities close for Columbus Day. It depends on the institution and its academic calendar.
3. If my college does not close for Columbus Day, should I still attend class?
Yes, if your college does not close for Columbus Day, it is still a regular class day and you should plan to attend class as usual.
4. Can colleges and universities choose to observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day?
Yes, many colleges and universities have made the decision to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day or Native American Day.