Professor cancels class to observe King holiday

As an undergraduate student, David Moore observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day by choosing not to attend classes on the holiday.

As an instructor, Moore (graduate-sociology) continues to observe the holiday in a similar fashion by not holding classes on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Although he cites no single reason for his decision, Moore said he believes King's struggle and achievements deserve recognition.

"It took tremendous courage. He dedicated his life and gave it. It should be worth something," he said. "It still amazes me one man can do it the way that he did."

Moore said he is discouraged by the politics surrounding the holiday -- it should be special to all Americans, not just minorities.

"Too often people think of it as a minority holiday and it's not," he said. "It's an American holiday."

Observing this federal holiday is one way of broadening students' perspectives and is an important part of a college education, Moore said.

Josh Bender (freshman-administration of justice), a student in Moore's class, Sociology 13 (Juvenile Delinquency), holds a similar point of view.

"If it was someone else, it would be the whole day off," he said, adding that the holiday should be observed by the entire University.

Becky De Long (junior-elementary education) supported Moore's decision to observe the holiday.

"I think it should be University-wide," she said. Other holidays, such as President's Day, should also be observed by the University, she added.

Moore said part of his decision to cancel his classes was based on the type of courses he teaches. However, he said the juvenile delinquency class does not have suitable material for a relevant discussion on King.

"If I could put together a class with appropriate material, I might hold a class," Moore said.

But for this year, Moore encouraged his students to seek education about the holiday outside the classroom by attending events offered in honor of King.