This past fall, classes were held on Veterans Day. Tufts Community Union (TCU) Senator and junior Chas Morrison, former TCU Senator and junior Sam Wallis and I responded to student feedback and our own beliefs by requesting that classes not be held on Veterans Day next year. Having followed up with the administration, we now know that a change is feasible.
We can change it — but we need to know whether you want us to. The issue is that the administration has sound reasoning for having organized the calendar as it stands. The question, then, is whether those reasons are more important to us than not having classes on Veterans Day. Since this decision affects us all, I'm going to present both sides and ask you to let us know what you think. Our proposal will be made on Monday, March 1, at the Educational Policy Committee student-faculty committee meeting. Because of this, we would like community feedback and responses as soon as possible.
To begin, most are asking why classes are scheduled on Veterans Day for next year. The answer is, actually, to make our semester easier. Columbus Day, the other day that classes could have been held, is a Monday in October. Having that day off breaks up the semester — providing a three-day weekend in October, and then Thanksgiving off in November. In contrast, if we have Veterans Day off, our first break comes in November. Further, Veterans Day falls on a Thursday, so having it off does not inherently provide a three-day weekend. Concern also exists that a Thursday off will create incentives to skip Friday classes (for those poor souls who have them).
Though these previous justifications are all reasonable, to me, the Memorial Steps serve as a daily reminder of why this holiday matters so profoundly to our community. Throughout our nation's history, Tufts students, faculty and administrators have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Many have given their lives for our freedom, and, as noted by senior Charles Vlahakis in his Nov. 12, 2009 Daily op-ed titled "Veterans Day at Tufts," Tufts as an institution has greatly benefited, and indeed perhaps even exists today, because of support from the military. Even today, there are still Tufts students who train to serve in ROTC programs and even attend our university as veterans through the Resumed Education for Adult Learning program.
With that said, the calculations could not be clearer. I am willing to sacrifice much more than a well-placed three-day weekend to honor those willing to sacrifice their lives for mine. Having class off on Veterans Day gives our community a day to focus on those who serve, removing distractions of classes and tests. Not holding classes on Veterans Day also sends a powerful symbolic message that we, as a community, value the sentiment of the holiday — and those it honors.
While faculty and administrators are correct that a three-day weekend in October would be a welcomed break, I simply don't agree with sending the message that says time off is more important than standing with our veterans.
So, that's my perspective on the issue. Because this administrative decision is one that will affect us all, please let Senate and me know what you think — whether you agree with me or not. You can contact the Senate by e-mailing tcusenate@tufts.edu, or me directly at bruce.ratain@tufts.edu — and, of course, if you do know anyone on Senate, you can let him or her know in person.
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Bruce Ratain is a junior majoring in political science. He is the chairman of the TCU Senate Administration and Policy Committee.
