Protesters gathered at
Columbus Circle today to call on the city to put Columbus Day back on the
school calendar.
They say the Department of
Education’s decision to remove Columbus Day from its school academic calendar
is a slap in the face to all Italians, Italian Americans and city students who
identify with their Italian heritage.
Protesters say the city is
being influenced by the cancel generation and social media.
They say combining Italian
Heritage Day with Indigenous People’s Day is an insult to both groups and does
not promote diversity.
Columbus Day has come under
scrutiny in recent years with cities and states around the United States
renaming the day to honor indigenous populations.
It will remain as a state
holiday.