When the Missouri Southern President’s Council approved a proposition to cancel classes on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, many people around campus rejoiced.

We did too. At first.

Don’t get us wrong, MLK Day needs recognized, without a doubt. No one denies the importance of the day or of Dr. King’s accomplishments.

He is one of America’s most prominent and most respected figures in all of history, for good reason.

Not only is he a figure looked up to by the African-American community, but also to the citizens of America as a whole.

But, on the other hand, this opportunity to skip class isn’t one to be taken advantage of.

Dr. Pat Lipira, interim VP of academic affairs, put it best. At many institutions, students are unaware why they’re even out of class.

Most students don’t even acknowledge the fact that it is MLK Day, but merely a day not to be required to attend classes.

We would hate to see it get to that point. Hopefully, the things our campus does already to recognize MLK Day keep the spirit alive.

The Diversity Committee has done an applaudable job thus far in celebrating MLK Day. Students have attended classes and been able to celebrate the day in addition to that.

What a shame it would be if it just became one more opportunity to get drunk and sleep in for our students.

This opportunity has been placed before the students in the faith that they’ll do good with it. It has been placed before the students in the faith that not only they will do good with it — but that they will use it ot celebrate the importance of the day and King’s accomplishments as well.

We hope to death they don’t disappoint. Show us, and the President’s Council that you understand the necessity of the holiday and the reason you won’t be in class on that day.

We would hate to see this opportunity to be taken away.

Go to the all-campus breakfast, participate in the day of service. To steal a line from Tom Hanks in “Saving Private Ryan,” Earn this. Earn it.

Maybe we just don’t have the appropriate faith in you. Maybe you’ll shock all of us and take the extra free time you’re given to glorify Dr. King and what he did for our country.

We applaud the efforts of the Diversity Committee to bring this issue up, we just hope that it becomes worth the time and breath spent.