Columbus Day: Is it Still Relevant?

State government offices, libraries, and post offices are closed Monday for Columbus Day, but do people still recognize it as a holiday? Most schools and local businesses remained open, leaving many students questioning if the second Monday of October is truly a national holiday.

"It's just like any other day," University of Southern California student Randy Stuckless said. "It's another day to love America, but I've never heard of anyone actually celebrating Columbus Day."

Columbus Day was not nationally recognized as a holiday until 1937, though North Americans have recognized Christopher Columbus as the "discoverer of the free world" for centuries. The explorer has also become a staple of elementary education.

"I remember learning all about those boats: the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria," Stuckless said. "I'm pretty sure everyone my age learned about Columbus at some time."

For this reason, USC student Natasha Samanich believes students should have a day free of classes.

"I have friends at George Mason who don't have class today," she said. "Unlike us, they probably acknowledge Columbus Day's existence, and I'm sure that holiday actually means something to them."

USC students will have to find another way to celebrate Columbus Day as there are no signs the school will be changing its policy on having class in the future.