Re: Veterans preference in Idaho universities

["Keith Howe" <kkhowe@moscow.com>]

I just wanted to point out that, in my understanding, Veteran's Day is not
honored because they chose instead to implement the "Fall Recess" the
following week of November, making the fall semester more symmetrical with
the spring semester and accomodating a longer break for Thanksgiving so that
students can travel home. It was an issue of moving the vacation time
around, not of eliminating the holiday itself. From the Academic Calendar
out of the latest general catalog:

"Classes WILL MEET this date, even though Veterans' Day is observed
(students who wish to attend an observance are excused from 11 a.m. until 1
p.m.)"

Whether or not you agree with this policy, it was not intended to snub
Veteran's Day in any way.

- Keith Howe

----- Original Message -----
From: "Travis & Julie Tonn" <vart@turbonet.com>
To: "Moscow" <vision2020@moscow.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2001 22:14
Subject: Veterans preference in Idaho universities


Dear Visionaries,
    I became aware of an issue recently that I'm interested in investigating
further and would like some input from the members of this internet
community.  Apparently, the University of Idaho does not give any preference
to veterans in the hiring process.  As a disabled veteran and a student at
the U of I, I was somewhat dismayed to learn that my fine university chooses
not to honor men and women who have served their country and helped preserve
our precious freedom.
    It was bad enough to learn that the U of I chose not to honor Veterans
Day by canceling classes, such as is done for Martin Luther King Jr Day and
Presidents Day, but then to find out that the U of I has added insult to
injury by not giving hiring preference to veterans was a bit much.
    I'm not sure of the specific requirements for institutions that receive
federal money to give veterans preference, but I will be doing some research
into that in the near future.
    What I would like to know from fellow Visionaries is what you think of
this situation.  Should the largest employer in Moscow, which I'm sure
receives federal funds, be required to honor men and women who have fought
for their country?  Can the University of Idaho be persuaded to give
veterans preference without lawmakers getting involved?  Should lawmakers
get involved?  I'm looking forward to your comments and insight.