Whether it’s birthdays or accomplishments, celebrating is a way to show recognition and appreciation.
So why then, are so many cultures going unrecognized when it comes to their holidays?
While arguments can be made that putting in effort to celebrate holidays on campus can be time consuming along with requiring a budget that as many will say “has to come from somewhere,” there are far more benefits in the long run for the student body as well as the campus.
If people care enough about something, they will make it work.
Although money does not grow on trees, it is often the smallest part of a celebration.
Organization heads or planning committees often find ways to work through and around money hurdles to pay for an event.
Prospective students may view a campus that takes time to acknowledge other cultures holidays, even if it not be their own, as open and inviting. As a result, making it more likely they choose to attend said campus.
According to the National Center of Education Statistics, enrollment of non-white college students has increased, translating to a campus comprised of many backgrounds.
On Sept. 25, an event took place on campus in recognition of Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month.
During this event, Chicano studies professor, as well as a few students, informed attendees that there is actually a big difference between Hispanic and Latino.
Had this event not taken place, those students would not have been informed about the difference between Latino and Hispanic heritage.
Students who have never heard of these holidays will have an opportunity to gain a better appreciation and understanding of what makes said cultures different from one another.
While there is a belief that it may encourage a sense of exclusion to the students who do not celebrate a certain holiday, the fact is they were not going to celebrate that day anyway, so what are they feeling excluded from?
Some may think that it can cause a rift between students, but it would do the opposite. A public event that is celebrating a holiday or culture allows people of different backgrounds to come together and interact with one another.
Not all events have to honor a specific group either. Some holidays are simply for fun such as Halloween or Valentine’s Day.
Students and faculty could use a break from the daily stress of work.
When people are dressing up in costumes or the campus is decorated, the school’s atmosphere changes to being an exciting one.
No one is forced to participate in events but at least the school can give them the option to do so.
