Holiday apathy doesn't detract from IU plans

Since 1997, IU has canceled classes on Martin Luther King Jr. Day for what officials call "A day on, not a day off." IU's plan is to have students participate in all the diversity activities planned during the day.\nThe truth is many students will instead spend the day lying in bed catching up on sleep.\nBut student apathy toward Martin Luther King Jr. Day doesn't bother Charlie Nelms, vice president for institutional development and student affairs and noted campus leader for diversity issues.\nHe said he isn't worried if many students show up for events, as long as those who do come listen and learn.\n"We really don't need the masses," he said. "I would rather have five really thoughtful students attend a lecture than 20 nay-sayers who will waste our time.\n"If we can take those five and encourage them to take sustainable action, then we can accomplish real change."\nIn 1996, IU students marched on campus as a form of protest for observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a University holiday. Their wishes were granted as the trustees passed a resolution in January 1997.\nNelms said the spirit that motivated those students isn't always found in current culture.\n"I think it's an issue of human apathy, not just student apathy," he said. "I notice student apathy as a current trend and I think that it is a disturbing one. I think that Martin Luther King (Jr.) Day and the history behind it has so many impacts on the political, social and economic culture that we currently live in."\nEric Love, diversity educator and adviser to the Black Student Union, said it would be great if all students participated in the events, but by passing them up, they are only hurting themselves.\n"We would always like to see more student input, but it doesn't bother me because the students who are involved are really affected," he said.\nLove said there are many benefits for students who participate in the events. He said students can not only learn and meet some cool people, but also enjoy great food and music.\nNelms said while food and entertainment are great and are necessities in celebrating the holiday, he feels that shouldn't be the only motivation. He will speak on that topic at a church in Richmond, Ind., on Monday.\n"Unfortunately, we are a society where people feel they need to be entertained," he said. "Beyond the entertainment, we need to engage people. It's OK to be entertained, but it's not enough if we can't engage people."\nNelms said his goal is to motivate people to take real action in their communities in order to address race relations and other problems. He pointed out leaders such as Rosa Parks and Gandhi as examples that one person can make a difference.\n"We have to go beyond the holiday itself," Nelms said. "The spirit behind Martin Luther King (Jr.) Day needs to motivate us yearlong"