Dear Editor,
I find it necessary to express my extreme displeasure with the La Verne’s current policy that requires the University be in session on Veteran’s Day. The fact that you hold a parade and other festivities is irrelevant; I find it hypocritical at best and at worst, insulting. The entire country recognizes Veteran’s Day to honor those individuals who have put their lives in harm’s way to protect our freedoms. This sacrifice has resulted in a great number of veterans being permanently injured, both mentally as well as physically. Some veterans have been killed during their service. Many of these of these heroes may or may not have agreed with the cause for which they were fighting, but they still honorably served our country. With these facts, I am sure you are all well acquainted.
I find the fact that the University has now embarked on a marketing campaign to attract veterans on their website by claiming to be the “Best College for Veterans,” and with billboards displaying the same message, is another example of the hypocrisy I spoke of earlier. The University has chosen to acknowledge numerous other holidays, such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Good Friday. I fail to see why the University considers Veteran’s Day unimportant, than the aforementioned holidays, especially Good Friday, which is not a federally recognized holiday.
As a student having attended a large state university, I find the University of La Verne to be an excellent institution of higher learning. The fact that the class sizes are small and all my professors have made it a point to learn every student’s name, has enhanced the learning experience. I would recommend this University to my other Veteran’s and friends. However, I would strongly urge the University to revise the policy that does not include Veteran’s Day as an academic holiday. We all owe our veterans a debt for their service, and this is a small, significant, token of appreciation.
Lawrence Christopher Williams
USMC Veteran
Criminology Major
