Although I appreciate Ms. Snyder’s intent that Aquinas College honor Dr. King, I actually find her opinion article to be highly offensive to the memory of Dr. King. Aquinas College renamed a street in honor of him, and several high schools took the day off. Activities like this are all well and good, but I can’t help but wonder what Dr. King would think. Instead of looking for excuses to cancel classes, we should honor him by actively working for social change, by listening to his message and implementing it into our lives. Especially disturbing is the section of this article that sets Dr. King in competition and opposition to Jesus. Let us not forget that Dr. King was a pastor, and that his message was both religious and social. His work for transforming all aspects of culture occurred within a religious context of Christian reconciliation and radically transformative love. He didn’t merely give an important speech for civil rights, but consistently preached the radical Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was this aspect of his teaching that gave his message of social change power and conviction. It was also what sustained him in the face of persecution. Furthermore, Dr. King was in support of education, I can’t imagine he would be for canceling classes like Activism, Catholic Social Teaching, etc. Ms. Snyder’s well-intentioned but poorly informed article has given me an idea. Perhaps making writings like Dr. King’s “Strength to Love” or “A Testament of Hope” part of the curriculum for I and E or Humanities would be a better way of honoring him.

Also, if we canceled classes, there would be less people present for the MLK blood-drive. This event, which is about giving, is a far more fitting honor than a cancellation of classes.

Ryan Engemann