Drexel University's Columbus Day Plans: A Day Off For Students?

Drexel University, home of the Drexel Dragons, observes nine paid holidays and two floating personal holidays each year. Columbus Day is one of the nine paid holidays observed by the university. While professors are not allowed to hold mandatory classes on university holidays, there have been instances where optional classes or lectures have been held, with one student reporting an optional class on Columbus Day/Indigenous People's Day.

Drexel University observes Columbus Day

Drexel University has previously observed Columbus Day as a holiday, along with eight other paid holidays and two floating personal holidays. However, in 2020, the University updated its holiday policy to recognize Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples' Day instead of Columbus Day. This change was made as part of Drexel's pledge to dismantle racism and acknowledge the often-ignored history of Black and Indigenous people in America. The University acknowledges that the historical framing of Columbus "discovering" America erases the first inhabitants of the land, the Native people whose populations were decimated by European colonizers.

The updated holiday policy reflects the University's efforts to recognize and dismantle oppressive systems and to encourage the Drexel community to reflect on and celebrate the triumphs, contributions, and rich histories of Black and Indigenous people. This shift from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day is in line with the proposal made by participants at the United Nations International Conference on Discrimination against Indigenous Populations in the Americas in 1977.

While the University has made this change to its holiday policy, it is important to note that Columbus Day is still recognized as a national holiday in the United States, marking the anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. The update to the holiday policy at Drexel University is a step towards a more inclusive and equitable recognition of the history and contributions of Indigenous peoples.

By observing Indigenous Peoples' Day instead of Columbus Day, Drexel University joins other institutions in rethinking the historical narrative and giving recognition to the Native people as the first inhabitants of the Americas, including the lands that later became the United States of America. This change encourages a more accurate understanding of history and acknowledges the impact of colonization on Indigenous populations.

Professors cannot hold mandatory classes on university holidays

Drexel University has updated its holiday policy to recognise Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples' Day. As part of the University's pledge to dismantle racism in its policies and practices, it has revised its Holiday Policy to designate Juneteenth (19 June) and Indigenous Peoples' Day (formerly Columbus Day) as recognised, annual University holidays. These holidays are to be observed by all members of the Drexel community, including the College of Medicine, Drexel University Online, and the Academy of Natural Sciences. This means that professors cannot hold mandatory classes on these university holidays.

In 2020, Indigenous Peoples' Day was observed on 12 October, the same date that Columbus first arrived in the Americas in 1492. The University acknowledges that the historical framing of Columbus "discovering" America erases the first inhabitants of the land – the Native people whose land was stolen and whose populations were decimated by European colonisers.

The University's decision to recognise Indigenous Peoples' Day instead of Columbus Day reflects its efforts to recognise and dismantle oppressive systems and to acknowledge the parts of American history that have often been ignored or discounted. The University hopes that its community will treat these holidays as an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the triumphs, contributions, and rich histories of Black and Indigenous people in America.

By observing these holidays, Drexel University joins many other institutions that commemorate Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples' Day, taking a stand against racism and working towards a more inclusive future. This decision aligns with the University's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all members of the Drexel community feel valued and respected.

Therefore, it is essential that professors do not hold mandatory classes on university holidays like Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples' Day, allowing students and staff to observe these important occasions and engage in meaningful reflection and celebration.

Syllabi are often reused and may contain errors regarding holidays

The updated holiday policy now includes Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples' Day as recognized, annual university holidays. These changes reflect the university's efforts to address and dismantle oppressive systems and bring attention to the parts of history that have been overlooked or marginalized.

Therefore, while reviewing syllabi, students and faculty should be cautious about outdated information, especially regarding holidays. It is essential to refer to the most recent university holiday policies to ensure accuracy. The Drexel Human Resources website provides the updated Holiday Policy, which should be consulted for the most current information on recognized holidays.

In addition to Indigenous Peoples' Day and Juneteenth, Drexel University observes eight other paid holidays throughout the year. These include New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. By providing this comprehensive list of observed holidays, the university community can plan and be well-informed about their time off.

In conclusion, when referencing syllabi, it is crucial to verify the accuracy of the information, especially regarding holidays. Reused syllabi may contain outdated content, and it is the responsibility of both students and faculty to ensure they are referring to the most current university policies. By staying informed, the Drexel community can not only plan their time efficiently but also actively participate in recognizing and celebrating the diverse cultures and histories that these holidays represent.

Students can double-check with instructors if a class is scheduled on a holiday

Drexel University has updated its holiday policy to recognize Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples' Day instead of Columbus Day. The University's decision reflects its commitment to dismantling oppressive systems and acknowledging the often-ignored history of Black and Indigenous people in America. While the University previously observed Columbus Day, it now recognizes that the historical framing of Columbus "discovering" America erases the Native people who were the first inhabitants of the land.

As part of this shift, Indigenous Peoples' Day will be observed on October 12, 2020, with all members of the Drexel community, including the College of Medicine, Drexel University Online, and the Academy of Natural Sciences, partaking in the holiday. This change aligns with the proposal made in 1977 at the United Nations International Conference on Discrimination against Indigenous Populations in the Americas, emphasizing the need to rethink history and give recognition to the Native people of America.

Although Drexel University has designated these days as official holidays, it is always advisable for students to double-check with their instructors regarding any scheduled classes on or around these dates. This proactive approach ensures that students remain informed about any potential changes to their academic schedule and can plan their time accordingly.

Communicating with instructors allows students to confirm whether classes will proceed as usual or if alternative arrangements have been made. This is particularly important for students who may have travel plans or other commitments during recognized holidays. By maintaining open lines of communication, students can avoid potential conflicts and make any necessary adjustments to their schedules.

Instructors are the best source of information regarding class schedules, and they can provide clarity on how the observed holiday may impact lectures, assignments, and other academic activities. They may also offer insights into any alternative arrangements, such as make-up classes or modified deadlines, ensuring that students can plan their workload effectively and not fall behind in their studies.

Therefore, while Drexel University has clearly outlined its recognized holidays, including the recent shift from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day, students are encouraged to take the initiative and confirm with their instructors if a class is scheduled on a holiday. This simple step promotes a better understanding of their academic commitments and allows for more effective time management, especially during periods when the university has granted time off.

The university is closed on Columbus Day

However, in 2020, Drexel University revised its Holiday Policy. The university replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day, which will be observed by all members of the Drexel community. This change was implemented as part of the university's pledge to dismantle racism in its policies and practices. The historical narrative that Columbus 'discovered' America erases the Native people, the first inhabitants of the Americas, whose land was stolen and whose populations were decimated by European colonizers.

Indigenous Peoples' Day, observed on 12 October, acknowledges that Native Americans were the first inhabitants of the land that later became the United States of America. It is intended to encourage Americans to rethink history and address the oppression of Indigenous people.

Therefore, while previously, the university was closed on Columbus Day, it now observes Indigenous Peoples' Day instead.

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