State education officials want to give local school districts more say about whether certain holidays–including those for Martin Luther King Jr., Christopher Columbus and Casimir Pulaski–are best celebrated with a day off or class instruction.
The proposal to eliminate the mandate for five state holidays–expected to be considered by state legislators in the new session–is sure to encounter resistance, especially from activists who argue that making these holidays optional is an attack on their historical and cultural importance.
Yet supporters say the change would acknowledge what is becoming a reality for an increasing number of Illinois schools: About 84 percent of all districts since 1995 have asked for waivers that allow them to hold school on one or more of the state-imposed holidays.
The most common holiday waiver, requested by 80 percent of all districts, covers Lincoln’s Birthday, which remains a state holiday even though most schools honor Lincoln on the federal holiday of Presidents’ Day. More than 500 school districts statewide won waivers to hold school on Casimir Pulaski Day, celebrated the first Monday in March.
A smaller percentage of districts request waivers for the other three holidays: about 30 percent each for King Day in January and Columbus Day in October, and 25 percent for Veterans Day on Nov. 11.
Even if the law is changed, school and teachers union leaders don’t predict any big changes in the way holidays are observed or any widespread increase in the number of days students attend school because such decisions often depend on local contract negotiations.
The change would give districts the flexibility of going to school on those holidays in years when they have to make up days because of emergencies, weather or labor strikes.
An overwhelming number of districts that requested waivers for established holidays still observe the days. For example, of the 54 school districts in the Chicago region that sought a waiver for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, only three districts actually hold school that day–Palos Heights District 128 in southwest suburban Cook County, Maercker District 60 in DuPage County and Fox Lake District 114 in Lake County.
Rep. Mary Lou Cowlishaw, a Naperville Republican retiring this month after 20 years in the House, has sponsored several unsuccessful proposals to let school districts keep students in class during some of the holidays. She rejects the argument that keeping kids in school diminishes the importance of those holidays.
“It shows a whole lot more respect to have the children in class, teaching them about the contributions of these historical leaders, than to just turn them loose and say “Go play with your friends,'” she said.
Though Cowlishaw said she can’t predict how legislators will react to the newest proposal, she believes the waiver process over the last seven years has demonstrated that school districts will handle this issue with sensitivity and responsibility.
“I have always believed that local school boards can be trusted to make decisions for children in their communities,” Cowlishaw said. “We all say we’re in favor of local control. Why not just eliminate the government paperwork, and save these districts the time it takes to apply for these waivers?”
The plan even found support from some unlikely leaders–a Polish-American historian and an African-American legislator.
“As a former teacher, I enjoyed the day off, but from the larger perspective, it’s more important that information about Pulaski be correct,” said Jan Lorys, director of the Polish Museum of America and a former Chicago school teacher who produced a video about the Revolutionary War hero. “The important thing is that students learn. The best way we learn about each other is through our heroes.”
Sen. Donne Trotter (D-Chicago) said he’s more interested in keeping kids in school than the perception that these holidays might be diminished.
“We’re losing more than we’re gaining by not going to school on those days,” said Trotter, who said he would be willing to sponsor the proposal in the Senate. “If we make this a real part of the curriculum, the importance is there, the significance is there.”Yet one Italian-American activist remained unconvinced by these arguments, in large part because he doesn’t think many schools would celebrate Christopher Columbus as a hero as they do King, Pulaski, Lincoln and war veterans.
“This is a dilution of the [Columbus] holiday and an extension of the ongoing assault against our culture,” said Dominic DiFrisco, spokesman for the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, an umbrella organization for about 100 Chicago-area groups.
“This holiday is very important to the Italian-American community. Columbus is a symbol for all the Italians who came to this country. But I don’t think too many teachers would stand up today and extol Christopher Columbus.”
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Five school holidays could be eliminated
In an effort to give local districts more say on school holidays, state education officials are proposing five state-mandated holidays become optional.
MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
Third Monday in January
As head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Rev. King led the civil rights movement in the 1960s; he was assassinated in 1968. His birthday became a national holiday in 1986.
LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY
Feb. 12
The 16th president, Abraham Lincoln helped preserve the Union during the Civil War and is credited with abolishing slavery. His birthday was first recognized in 1866, the year after his death.
PULASKI DAY (Illinois only)
First Monday in March
Casimir Pulaski was a Polish nobleman who served George Washington during the Revolutionary War, dying from battle wounds in Savannah, Ga. His birthday is observed in Illinois.
COLUMBUS DAY
Second Monday in Oct.
On Oct. 12, 1492, Italian navigator Christopher Columbus landed in the New World. He is often referred to as the explorer who discovered America.
VETERANS DAY
Nov. 11
Originally established to commemorate Armistice Day-the official end of World War I-the holiday was changed after World War II to pay tribute to all American veterans.
Sources: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, U.S. State Department, www.holidayorigins.com, www.pulaskiparade.com
Chicago Tribune
