Univ. of New Hampshire Trades Cinco de Mayo for 'Unity Day'

DERRY, N.H. - Administrators at the University of New Hampshire this year announced it would be refocusing Cinco de Mayo into a community service-based day called Unity Day. According to NECN, in recent years the Mexican holiday has become a lighting rod for controversy after many felt racist activities dominated last year's celebrations on May 5.

While the administration is hopeful for a day of giving, some students are skeptical.

"I think it’s more of a duct tape fix," said Josh Velez, a third-year student at UNH.

Velez believes Unity Day is a temporary fix for what some students believe is a much bigger problem.

"I'm not Latino, but like I definitely see and can understand why a lot of people who are of that descent are offended by these events," UNH student Jake Ladipo said.

Last year's events on UNH campus were filled with day drinking and what some called racially insensitive themes or cultural appropriation.

"The wearing of the sarapes and the sombreros," UNH Dean of Students Ted Kirkpatrick said. "There were slogans used nationally, 'Cinco De Drinko.'"

To read the full story, visit NECN here.