While classes proceed as scheduled today at Boston University, the majority of area colleges’ classrooms are closed in observance of Veterans’ Day.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Northeastern University, the University of Massachusetts at Boston, Berklee College of Music, Emerson College, Suffolk University and Tufts University did not schedule classes today, while Wellesley College, Brandeis University and Boston College students will attend classes as scheduled.
‘I guess BU hasn’t understood the true value of a veteran yet,’ said School of Education sophomore Paul Jenkins.
However, BU spokesman Colin Riley said the scheduling was not a reflection on veterans.
‘Boston University highly respects the efforts of veterans and we honor their service to the country,’ Riley said. ‘But we also try to fit in as many class days as possible so we give you a good education.’
Riley said the ROTC Vigil last Tuesday through Wednesday, which paid homage to veterans, demonstrates BU’s respect for veterans. Riley cited the ‘travel’ days of Thanksgiving as a benefit to students rather than Veterans’ Day.
‘Most of the students at Boston University live further away, and want to be with their families for Thanksgiving. We give them an extra day of travel, and don’t hold classes on the Friday after Thanksgiving,’ Riley said. ‘We want to make sure that students have sufficient class time since we are not holding classes on those days.’
MIT public relations spokeswoman Peggy Berkovitz acknowledged those travel days as a deciding factor to MIT administration when determining a Veterans’ Day holiday.
‘This year we do not have classes on Veterans’ Day. However, we do not always get the Friday after Thanksgiving off,’ Berkovitz said. ‘Although we are getting it this year, sometimes it doesn’t happen because of other days we had off, such as Veterans Day.’
College of Arts and Sciences sophomore Amanda Cranmer said she recognized the academic benefits of scheduling classes, but she said she believed the holiday offered more significance than other holidays the university chooses to recognize.
‘I can understand it because it’s getting toward crunch time, exams are coming and the holidays are coming,’ Cranmer said. ‘But we had Columbus Day off. I’d rather have a day off to respect veterans than Columbus. Veterans did more for this country than Columbus ever did.’
Nicholas Pasquale, a CAS and SED junior, echoed Cranmer’s attitude but said because of the upcoming exams, he could have used the day to study.
‘It’s disrespectful. Columbus Day doesn’t respect anyone, but Veterans’ Day commemorates the lives of people who served our country,’ Pasquale said. ‘I would have used the day to prepare for exams.’
On the other hand, some students said they would have used the day only as an extension to their weekend.
‘I’d go out to Aria [Sunday night] and sleep in a little later,’ College of Communication freshman Alan Soth said.
In contrast, SED freshman Greg Manzi said he would have had more to think about on Veterans’ Day.
‘I would take a moment to remember my grandfather in World War II,’ Manzi said. ‘I wouldn’t have wasted the day.’
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