Ole Miss Cancels Classes For Sept. 26 Presidential Debate

This story was written by Alex McDaniel, Daily Mississippian

Classes at the University of Mississippi will be cancelled for the entire day of September 26, 2008, to accommodate the events surrounding the 2008 presidential debate.

"While there will be inconveniences between now and the day of the debate, there are a number of more significant inconveniences that are likely to make holding classes the day of the debate difficult," Interim Provost Morris Stocks said in an e-mail sent to faculty members Tuesday.

Stocks also noted many difficulties students and faculty will face the day of the debate, primarily focusing upon parking and logistics problems.

The announcement alters the university's original plan to cancel only afternoon classes on the day of the debate.

"Originally, we believed classes could be held up until noon the day of the debate," Stocks wrote. "It has become increasingly clear that the inconveniences that day will affect the entire day and not simply the afternoon classes."

Stocks added in the e-mail that the decision was not an easy one to make.

"Education is the essence of our existence as a university, and the canceling of classes is not a decision that is taken lightly," Stocks said.

The decision was voted upon by the university deans, who decided by a majority vote to cancel classes for the entire day, the e-mail said.