Do Students Get Columbus Day Off? Exploring a Controversial Holiday
Every October, Columbus Day commemorates the famous 1492 voyage of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, which kickstarted the Age of Discovery connecting Europe to the Americas. Since 1937, this federal holiday recognizes his daring expedition, while also celebrating Italian heritage in the New World.
But in recent decades, efforts to rethink celebrations focused solely on Columbus have brought tensions between those wanting to uplift marginalized indigenous groups and others trying to preserve revered cultural traditions. What does this balancing act mean for our annual calendars? Let‘s break things down.
The Growing Push to Acknowledge Indigineous Peoples Day
Amid calls to acknowledge devastating fallout from European colonization, various cities, states and school districts now commemorate Indigenous Peoples‘ Day instead of – or sometimes in addition to – the traditional holiday.
This alternative seeks to shift focus, commemorating rich backgrounds of native societies and our shared but often painful past. It has gained momentum nationally, with at least 12 states officially adopting the renamed occasion. Additionally, a 2021 poll showed over half of registered voters supported swapping the explorer‘s namesake day for one uplifting indigenous communities instead.
However, debates continue simmering across education spheres. Some argue Columbus remains an essential figure whose daring voyage should be honored, while others spotlight overlooked atrocities that followed first encounters with existing native populations. These issues hit home in classrooms exploring the still relevant impacts of colonization.
How Regional Policies Determine School Closures
With Columbus Day‘s federally recognized holiday status, does this mean students get the day off from school? As with most education policies, it varies across the country.
State legislatures and local districts ultimately determine closures around federal holidays through approved academic calendars. For example, over 75% of schools in Connecticut suspend classes on Columbus Day due to its official legal holiday designation. But elsewhere, schools often stay open even when government offices and banks shutter.
Surveys indicate less than half of students in many parts of the U.S. enjoy a day off in mid-October. Local control leaves flexibility for New Mexico‘s largely Hispanic classrooms to keep running or primarily native districts in South Dakota to have the day free. Across one Texas district alone, some campuses commemorate just Columbus Day, some just Indigenous Peoples‘ Day – and a few recognize both.
Traditions in Flux: Parades, Festivals and Shopping Deals
Columbus Day makes for lively annual parades and cultural events celebrating Italian Americans’ deep roots across American society. Marching bands, floats and traditional performers draw major crowds in cities like New York, while also catalyzing broader introspection on still relevant issues.
For decades, retailers leveraged the federal holiday’s long weekend with major shopping deals. But Columbus Day promotions have declined considerably amid anticipation of November doorbusters. Regardless of debates or sales, many claim Italian cuisine itself as the holiday‘s best perk!
Digging Into Demographics, Values and Local Needs
School leaders balancing inputs like test scores, workforce talent pipelines and multicultural representation know well that no two communities are the same. Districts across America encompass vastly different demographics, regional values and economic contexts in charting academic schedules.
Administrators may consider religious backgrounds, cultural makeups and practical concerns like bus routes when weighing Columbus Day off. Some see the holiday as chance to offer teachers professional development opportunities while students focus on family time. Each school navigates unique priorities around instructional days.
Guidance On Teaching Controversial History
For educators, Columbus Day prompts important conversations about encountering different cultures while assessing current events through historical lenses. Doing this well means helping students spot connections across time, especially regarding marginalized groups still facing unjust barriers today.
Teachers in New Mexico use the occasion to highlight accomplishments of Pueblo Indians and similar communities integral to local heritage. Others find lessons in how Columbus’ arrival set in motion follow-on events decimating indigenous populations across now American soil. Weaving multiple vantage points – from triumphant explorers to oppressed tribes – brings nuance while equipping students to make informed appraisals about modern inequities.
Inclusive Social Studies Matters Today
At its best, reexamining previous narratives by including once ignored perspectives fosters more just, equitable and inclusive learning environments. Diligent efforts made today to improve cultural consciousness can ripple positive impacts across generations tomorrow.
This October provides a timely chance to expand understanding of all people shaping America – both past and present. Appreciating each students’ unique background empowers classrooms where everyone feels valued to reach their full potential. Prioritizing these goals matters well beyond whether or not the doors stay open on the controversial Columbus Day itself.