Penn State students could have a day off from classes for next year's Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. Day, Penn State President Graham Spanier said during yesterday's University Faculty Senate meeting.

Spanier said he is leaning toward canceling classes for next year.

He added that those researching the possible holiday are thinking it through significantly, and he hopes to make a decision this spring.

"We've reached the turning point," Spanier said.

"We're seriously considering not having classes next year," Spanier added.

Thomas Poole, associate vice provost for educational equity, said there are a number of institutions that celebrate the day with an "appropriate" holiday, and he thinks it is fine for the university to do the same.

"All of this is in the very early stages," Poole said.

Terrell Jones, vice provost for educational equity, said there needs to be an opportunity for the Senate, the Penn State Board of Trustees and other people to discuss this possibility before a decision is made.

Spanier said he believes Penn State has planned MLK Day events around classes more effectively than any other university, which is one reason he has struggled with the decision to cancel classes.

Poole said he hopes students would use the day for social justice and service projects, but that would not necessarily be the case. He added that it remains to be seen how much programming would take place.

"I think it will be a long weekend," Jones said.

Spanier said the university knows the fall study day creates a three-day weekend for students, and MLK Day can be used similarly.

Mahmoud Alban, student issues co-chair, said he thinks students will stay at school because they cannot afford to go home after returning for the spring semester.

He said he thinks students will increase their participation in community service in the local area. "I am delighted to hear that Spanier is taking such a responsible initiative to honor Martin Luther King," Alban said.