I'm appalled that Townsend schools and Jefferson City High School required that school be held on Martin Luther King Day. To ignore this day of recognition is disrespectful to the man and his contribution to our nation, and definitely sends the wrong message to students. The significance of this day occurring one day before President Obama's inauguration was perhaps unparalleled in history. It was not about "getting a day off;" it was about honoring a great American. There was a wonderful event held at Carroll College on MLK Day that featured several prominent people from Helena who were directly involved in and affected by the Civil Rights movement. Teachers and students should have had the opportunity to attend that event. The very people who are responsible for educating students about slavery, racial prejudice and the civic rights movement should have been granted the day for reflection, if for no other reason, rather than "work as usual!" People who agree with this should write to these school boards and ask why this didn't happen. It seems like such a disservice to the very institutions that are teaching honor, respect and historical perspective.

Dr. Steven Michelson

2280 Lime Kiln Road