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To honor or not to honor federal holidays
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Posted on Jan 23 2005
Mr. Cepeda’s letter to the editor brought out the fact that federal holidays, e.g., Martin Luther King, Jr., and President’s Day, are not religiously followed by “all” schools throughout the United States. He is categorically accurate with that statement as there are numerous “private” K-12, as well as colleges and universities, which are not bound, legally or otherwise, to honor any holidays established by the federal government. They are essentially are free to establish whatever calendar they feel deems appropriate throughout the school year.
As far as any “public” schools doing what private schools are free to do, I have never seen any public school in the mainland refute an established holiday and make their students attend classes. Since the federal holidays are essentially established law, then all of the organizations within the public sector must adhere to what the elected officials have created. If they don’t, then they are essentially not following established law.
The things that we convey at home and in the classroom to young people will be influential prior to and throughout their adult life. If we don’t demonstrate to the youth in our K-12 and higher education institutions, who will be our leaders during the next generation, that it is vitally important to honor extraordinary Americans who made some significantly profound contributions to the growth and progress of American society with specific days of recognition, then what we are conveying to them is a mindset that reflects a total disregard and respect for important figures in the annals of American history.
What I find disturbing and disconcerting is that there are some people who take for granted teaching the youth of today “values” regarding compassionate respect for individuals who deserve to be revered and honored. I respect the policies of private institutions regarding holidays, but I don’t think that holding classes on established federal holidays will be more beneficial then teaching children the importance of respect and honor for icons in American history.
Dr. Jesus D. Camacho
Delano, California
