The Stamford Board of Education’s decision to drop Columbus Day and Veterans Day from the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic calendars has caused a stir in Connecticut.
Stamford’s Calendar Revamp
According to the Stamford Advocate, students won’t get these days off following a 5-3 vote. However, the board will still provide educational content on these days, as mandated by state law.
Rethinking the 181-Day School Calendar
Columbus Day, celebrating Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the Americas in 1492, is marked on the second Monday of October. Veterans Day, observed on November 11, pays tribute to military veterans.
Board member Joshua Esses, who initiated this change, believes shortening the 181-day calendar will benefit students educationally.
Honoring Veterans in the Classroom
“Every American owes gratitude to our wonderful Veterans and to Christopher Columbus,” Esses commented to Newsweek. “I believe students can best learn about their contributions in school. Otherwise, they have a vacation day without any focus on why we honor our Veterans and Columbus in the first place.”
Unsuccessful Bid
Esses’ proposal to exclude Eid al-Fitr and the second day of Rosh Hashanah from the list of holidays failed to receive support.
Community Divided
The decision to exclude Columbus Day and Veterans Day from the school calendar has ignited strong reactions in the community. Alfred Fusco, a veteran associated with the Italian-American service group UNICO, expressed his dismay to WABC-TV, describing it as “a gut punch.”
A Controversial Legacy
Columbus Day’s significance has become contentious; while some honor Columbus as a hero, others criticize him for his role in the oppression and violence against indigenous people. This debate has led some regions to rename the holiday as Indigenous Peoples Day.
Honoring Native Americans
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a commemoration of the rich history and culture of Native Americans, honoring them as the original inhabitants of the Americas prior to Christopher Columbus’ arrival on San Salvador Island in the Bahamas.
A Cultural Tribute
In various parts of the United States, this day is observed as an alternative to, or alongside, Columbus Day, reflecting a shift in recognition and celebration of these first peoples.
Beyond the Narrative
Despite this, Fusco emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the holiday, urging not to “whitewash” history.
He contends that Columbus’ discovery on October 12, 1492, was a pivotal moment in human history, despite the subsequent negative impacts.
Social Media Erupts Over Change
Social media users responded strongly to the decision to remove Columbus Day and Veterans Day from the school calendar. One individual expressed disapproval, calling it “Slap in the face to the Italian community and our Veterans!”
Approval and Anger
Another person labeled the decision “disgusting,” vowing to keep their child home from school on those days. Yet, there were also voices of approval. One commenter opined, “Good! Kids get too many days off from school. And nobody is being honored on any of those days off.
“It’s simply a day off from school. Sad but true.”
The Shift in Narratives
Columbus Day’s name change stems from longstanding Native American protests against its colonial implications. Smithsonian experts Dennis W. Zotigh and Renée Gokey explain that Columbus’ arrival marked the start of mass deaths and forced assimilation of Native people.
Impact of Colonization
The U.N. in 2001 highlighted the severe impact of European colonization on indigenous populations, noting a drastic decline in their numbers from the 15th to the 19th century. The movement to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day gained momentum in the 1970s.
Biden Acknowledges Indigenous Trauma
In 2021, President Joe Biden recognized May 5 as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day, acknowledging the historical “mistrust” and “trauma” faced by Native communities.
Bridging Gaps
“That is why we are pursuing ways to build trust in our Government and the systems designed to provide support to families in need,” Biden continued.
“We must bridge the gap for families in crisis, provide necessary support services, and support opportunities for healing through holistic community-driven approaches.”
Read Next: What Really Causes Donald Trump’s Skin to be So Orange
Former President Donald Trump’s distinctive orange skin has captivated attention, sparking curiosity about its evolution from average pale over the years:
What Really Causes Donald Trump’s Skin to be So Orange
27 Things MAGA Movement Ruined Forever for People
How the MAGA movement left its mark on individuals and disrupted certain aspects of our everyday life forever:
27 Things MAGA Movement Ruined Forever for People
Court Finally Unseals Secretive Case of Jan 6 Offender
Samuel Lazar sentenced for Jan. 6 insurrection; previously confidential case now revealed: Court Finally Unseals Secretive Case of Jan 6 Offender
Defamation lawsuit against Kari Lake advances while people compare her to Rudy Giuliani
Kari Lake loses First Amendment right to accuse Maricopa County recorder; Arizona Republic ponders if she’s channeling Rudy Giuliani in her sleep : Defamation lawsuit against Kari Lake advances while people compare her to Rudy Giuliani
More Democrats are flipping in a crucial swing state than Republicans
In Pennsylvania, a significant number of registered Democrats flipping is sending an unflattering signal to President Biden: More Democrats are flipping in a crucial swing state than Republicans
