Staff Editorial: Bring out the students

This year, for the third consecutive time, Penn administrators canceled classes on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In the hope that students would consider the national holiday a "day on" rather than a three-day weekend, the University scheduled community service events and a candlelight vigil to honor the civil rights leader and his legacy. However, for the third straight year, turnout at the events was low. And while those students who partook in the day's service projects should be applauded and the event organizers commended, it is clear that the Penn community at large is not getting the message. Part of the blame must fall on the students themselves, who are certainly not helping a growing reputation of apathy by sleeping in and looking forward to their shortened week of classes. But if the University truly seeks to make this an annual day of service, they must reevaluate the way that they plan and publicize Martin Luther King Jr. Day activities. Rightfully or not, the onus for greater student participation during this holiday has fallen on the University. If students are to be convinced to forego catching up on work and sleep, event organizers must find a better way to attract a larger crowd. Students might be more inclined to attend lectures or discussions on King and the Civil Rights Movement, as is evidenced by the relatively high turnout at some events of this past week. The planning committee should consider making the holiday itself more of a marquee day, particularly because students have clear schedules. In addition, students would certainly be more interested in attending lectures and discussions that feature notable faculty members and outside speakers, like politicians or minority activists. Monday was as good a day as any to bring a big-name speaker to campus, particularly to discuss relevant minority issues. While community service is a far more noble cause than listening to a lecture, it is clearly not enough to draw a crowd. The planning committee would be wise to find a way to get students out of their dorm rooms first before asking them to take the next step. Here's hoping that next year, more students see Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a "day on."

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