WHEREAS, the state of Louisiana acknowledges the important societal contributions made by those Americans who strove to obtain the equal and impartial treatment of all Americans without consideration of race, gender, age, religion, national origin, or political affiliation;

WHEREAS, the principle of equality of all persons was advocated by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., through his teachings that human beings should be judged, not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character;

WHEREAS, Dr. King consistently advocated that social change should be accomplished by peaceful communication of ideas and principles; and

WHEREAS, in tribute to the endeavors of this great American teacher and leader, R.S. 1:55(B)(2) authorizes the observance, by executive proclamation, of the birthday of Dr. King;

NOW THEREFORE I, M.J. "MIKE" FOSTER, JR., Governor of the state of Louisiana, by virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution and laws of the state of Louisiana, do hereby order and direct as follows:

SECTION 1: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s celebrated birthday, Monday, January 17, 2000, is declared a legal holiday in the state of Louisiana and shall be observed as a day of rest.

SECTION 2: Insofar as practicable, the appointing authorities and/or heads of all institutions, offices, and departments of the state (hereafter "appointing authority") shall permit the officers and employees under their control to observe January 17, 2000, as a day of rest. Nonetheless, an appointing authority shall have discretion to require said officers and employees to work on the holiday when, in the appointing authority's judgment, it is required for the efficient administration of a state facility, the operation of which is necessary and indispensable to the citizens of this state.