By Kamiko Chamble
Many schools had the day off for Labor Day on Sept. 2, such as fellow SUNY schools Canton, Morrisville, Geneseo, Brockport, and Westbury. One of the schools that did not have off was SUNY Plattsburgh, a decision some students disagreed with for cultural and social reasons.
“To me Labor Day signifies a time to honor and recognize the sacrifice and progress made by workers in this country,” said Jazmine Perry, a sophomore who majors in psychology.
Perry found it unfair that she had to go to class while peers in other schools celebrated. Students were also stuck on campus with no transportation because the shuttle wasn’t running for Labor Day. Not only that, but some college offices were closed for Labor Day as well.
According to SUNY Plattsburgh’s website, all employees, except teaching faculty, have the day off. Non-faculty staff who work on that day can use the holiday at a later time.
Leslie Edwards, a sophomore double majoring in sociology and law and justice, thinks that if students are going to classes, staff should be in the offices.
“If the school is going to treat it like a holiday for adults, they need to fully treat it like a holiday for students too,” Edwards said.
Students use the shuttle to access food, groceries and entertainment. Additionally, students were down a meal option — Halal Shack was closed for mechanical reasons unrelated to the holiday.
Holidays are times some students prefer to spend with family.
“I believe they can make it a three-day weekend so kids who are from the city or who aren’t from here who have traditions can get time to spend with their families,” Edwards said.
Kahmil Wallace, a sophomore who majors in psychology, noted that some students are workers, too.
“Since most students, if not all of them, are aware of what it’s like to work a job, we need to be allowed to celebrate Labor Day just like everyone else,” Wallace said.
Labor Day is special to students as they have traditions that they’ve been practicing from childhood. This is their time to come together, put their differences aside and celebrate as a community.
“Labor Day means ‘carnival,’” Edwards said. “I say that because on Labor Day I am used to going out on the parkway with my friends, family, and walking with the parade. I am free to do whatever I want without judgment. It’s a time to embrace your Caribbean culture in the States.”
