do colleges have columbus day off

Do Colleges Have Columbus Day Off?

Whether or not colleges have Columbus Day (now often referred to as Indigenous Peoples’ Day) off varies significantly from institution to institution. Some colleges and universities observe the holiday with a day off from classes, while others remain open and hold classes as usual.

The decision often depends on institutional policies, the academic calendar, and, increasingly, whether the institution recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Day in place of or alongside Columbus Day.

Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day Observance on College Campuses

The observance of Columbus Day has become increasingly complex in recent years. While historically a federal holiday commemorating Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas, it has faced growing criticism due to Columbus’s role in the colonization and mistreatment of indigenous populations. Consequently, many institutions are choosing to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, either instead of or in addition to Columbus Day.

Factors Influencing College Decisions

Several factors influence a college’s decision regarding whether to close for Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day:

• Institutional Policy: Each college has its own academic calendar and policies, which are decided by the administration. These policies dictate which federal holidays, if any, are observed with a day off.
• Academic Calendar: The timing of the holiday within the academic semester can also influence the decision. If it falls near a scheduled break or reading day, the college might choose to remain open.
• Recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Many institutions are now formally recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day, often with educational events and programming rather than a day off. Some may choose to close in observance of this day.
• Student and Faculty Input: Student and faculty advocacy can influence a college’s decision to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day and potentially alter the academic calendar.

How to Find Out if Your College Has the Day Off

The best way to determine if your college has Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day off is to consult the official academic calendar. This calendar is typically available on the college’s website, often in the registrar’s or academic affairs section. You can also check with your professors or academic advisors for clarification.

You can learn more about the history of Columbus Day on Wikipedia.

FAQs

1. Is Columbus Day a federal holiday?

Yes, Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States.

2. Why are some colleges choosing to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

This is in response to a growing awareness of the negative impact of colonization on indigenous populations and a desire to honor their history and culture.

3. If my college doesn’t have Columbus Day off, will there still be events related to it?

Potentially, yes. Even if classes are held, some colleges may host events or educational programs to commemorate either Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

4. Where can I find my college’s academic calendar?

You can typically find the academic calendar on your college’s website, usually within the registrar’s office or academic affairs section.

5. Are private or public colleges more likely to have Columbus Day off?

There’s no definitive trend favoring either private or public colleges. The decision is typically based on the individual institution’s policies and priorities.

Summary

The observance of Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day at colleges is inconsistent. Check your college’s official academic calendar for the most accurate information. Many institutions are now grappling with the holiday’s historical context and are considering alternative observances or continuing with classes as usual.