A group representing North Dakota college students is asking the Board of Higher Education to designate the first Monday of October as “Indigenous People’s Day” – and making it a day off.
University System Vice Chancellor Lisa Johnson told the State Board of Higher Education’s Academic and Student Affairs Committee the issue was first brought up in 2021, because the North Dakota Student Association felt there was a long time between Labor Day and Thanksgiving.
Johnson said the matter was discussed at the Academic Affairs Council, as well as with the Council of College Faculty.
"The faculty also agreed there was a long stretch in October, and they were supportive of a break in October," Johnson said. "Their counter-proposal was the third Monday in October."
Johnson said that would fit perfectly between the first and second 8 weeks of the semester.
"It would be a more seamless break," Johnson said.
Johnson said the students think a break in October would help their mental health. She said there will be further discussion with the North Dakota Student Association, before the matter is brought to the full Board.
