Legal Commentary

I hear that many colleagues in various departments across the country might be canceling classes to allow students to watch the inauguration ceremony, which at Hastings we're showing on a large screen in a big hall.

The ceremony is 9:00 Pacific time. I teach at 9:40. What do I do?

On one hand, I think this is a hugely important and momentous event in American history, and folks may want to remember having seen it live. On the other hand, as the case is in a democratic system, there will be some folks in the audience for whom this event is not cause for celebration. Also, people are adults and can be expected to make their own decision on whether to attend class or to watch the speech; and everyone can watch the reruns on C-span.

Those of you who teach Tue morning to noon, what are you planning to do?