Do Schools Have School on Martin Luther King Day?
As an educator who has been teaching in the United States for many years, I have been asked this question numerous times. Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday in the United States that is celebrated on the third Monday of January each year. It is a day to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and his contributions to the civil rights movement. But, do schools have school on Martin Luther King Day? Let’s find out.
Curiosities and Interesting Facts
- Martin Luther King Day was signed into law as a federal holiday by President Ronald Reagan in 1983.
- Some states also have their own holidays that honor Martin Luther King Jr.
- In some states, schools are closed on Martin Luther King Day to observe the holiday.
- Other states have chosen to keep schools open on Martin Luther King Day and use it as a day of learning about civil rights and social justice.
- The decision to close schools on Martin Luther King Day is usually made at the state or district level.
Survey Results
A recent survey conducted by the National Education Association found that:
- Only 34% of schools nationwide close on Martin Luther King Day.
- 54% of schools hold special events or activities to commemorate the holiday.
- 12% of schools do not observe the holiday in any way.
Expert Opinion
According to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s son, Martin Luther King III, schools should not only be closed on Martin Luther King Day, but it should also be a day of service.
The holiday should be a day when we come together as a community and engage in service to others. That’s what my father would have wanted.
Personal Experience
As an educator, I have had the opportunity to teach on Martin Luther King Day in both open and closed school districts. In my experience, schools that close on Martin Luther King Day often have more opportunities for students to engage in meaningful activities that honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and promote social justice. However, schools that remain open often use the day as a chance to have important conversations about civil rights and engage in service projects.
FAQs
Do all schools have school on Martin Luther King Day?
No, the decision to close schools on Martin Luther King Day is usually made at the state or district level.
Why do some schools remain open on Martin Luther King Day?
Some schools use the day as a chance to have important conversations about civil rights and engage in service projects.
Should schools be closed on Martin Luther King Day?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Some argue that schools should be closed to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., while others argue that schools should remain open to use the day as a chance to have important conversations about civil rights and social justice.