Last year, Summer Sands, a member of Ohio University's Campus Crusade for Christ, spent Good Friday packing for a trip to Florida and praying with her roommates.
Sands has different plans for Easter this year; although classes are in session, she had none scheduled today, so she will spend the holiday with her family, like many other students.
Last year Good Friday was March 21, the last day of Winter Quarter final exams, and Easter was March 23. This year, school is in session for Good Friday and classes remain scheduled despite the religious holiday. The university, which is public, does not recognize Good Friday as a holiday for which to cancel classes.
Traditionally, many Christians spend Good Friday in prayer and contemplation of Jesus Christ's crucifixion, while Easter is spent celebrating Christ's resurrection.
Sunday
we celebrate Christ's resurrection but Friday is also as important because I think people overlook Good Friday and the world goes on like it's just another day Sands said.
Unlike Sands, some students have class on Friday.
For students who observe Good Friday, they have the option of missing class. According to the Ohio University Student Handbook, students can be excused for religious observance at the discretion of their professors.
However, it also states If you are returning to class after a legitimate absence
you can expect your instructors' assistance (makeup work
excused absences
recalculation of the students grade based on remaining work) within the limits of their established attendance policies.
If professors feel that Good Friday is not a legitimate reason for missing class or any homework that might be due, students might be penalized for being absent on the day.
Starla Ford, a junior studying English, plans to go home for Easter weekend to be with friends, but not before she attends class and takes an exam today.
I don't think it (Good Friday) should be a national holiday
but I feel like students shouldn't be penalized if they choose to worship that day
she said.
Evan Young, pastor of Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens and spiritual director of UCM, agreed there should not be a penalty for students because they choose to observe their religion, but that university classes should continue as planned.
There are students for whom it is a solemn and sacred occasion
and they should certainly be permitted to observe that. I don't think it's the university's place to cease operations
Young said.
Jay D. Smith, campus minister of Light 4 Christ, a non-denominational ministry, said he would like to get Good Friday off.
In regards to professors honoring religious absences, he said, they would have to honor that the same as they would have to honor any religious group.
Because Good Friday is not a federal holiday, local banks and post offices will remain open today. The Athens City Building will remain open with meetings held as scheduled, said Charlene Mohler, executive assistant for the mayor's office.
