The spring semester at UH started on a Tuesday this year so the University could observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which always falls on the third Monday of January.
On Monday of this week, government buildings and schools across the country were closed in recognition of another federal holiday — Presidents Day.
UH, however, was open for class as usual.
Presidents Day is a celebration of the birthdays of Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, two iconic figures deeply woven into the fabric of U.S. history.
Washington was the commander of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War, one of the founding fathers of the U.S. and was the country’s first president.
Lincoln went to war to preserve the Union and emancipated the slaves, despite the fact that he suspected he might be martyred for doing so.
We at The Daily Cougar are not trying to belittle King’s accomplishments, but rather would like to understand why the University doesn’t feel a day honoring the achievements of Washington and Lincoln is worth observing.
It is absurd to think that the two former presidents don’t deserve at least the same measure of respect that Dr. King does. All three men dedicated their lives to the betterment of the U.S. and its people. They should be acknowledged accordingly.
The University does, however, feel that Labor Day is an important enough holiday to warrant a day off for students and employees.
Not only would it be safe to assume few people know that Labor Day’s origins are actually rooted in Canadian history, it’s likely that most people don’t even know what the day is celebrating.
UH needs to realize that a holiday honoring Washington and Lincoln, who are important enough to be minted on U.S. currency, deserves some recognition.
Not doing so is tantamount to ignoring the lives and contributions of two great Americans.
2016, and still agree with this post.
#AFROTCcadet
2016, I agree. But, I add… since UH does not recognize Veteran’s Day, the offense of not recognizing President’s Day makes BOTH the Administration and the Trustees of this STATE institution appear unpatriotic at best or at worst, ungrateful for the privilege of existing in a free society that permits their educational service efforts and rewards them handsomely for so doing. The toxic influence of unbridled capitalism has blinded their vision and stolen their will to prosecute the founding mission of the institution with the necessary integrity and passion.
Shame on this administration and those who support it.
#ClericsWhoServed
#ServiceConnectedDisabledVeteran