The Italian-American Defense League with plaintiff Ralph Marcarelli, a lifelong resident of Wooster Square, filed a lawsuit against Mayor Justin Elicker of New Haven for removing the neighborhood’s Columbus statue.  Under Elicker’s reign, Columbus School changed its name, Columbus Day is now called Italian Heritage Day, and the Columbus statue was put into storage. 

To what other ethnic, racial or religious group does government dictate who or what their cultural symbols or icons should be? We promote education, positively portraying Italians, and preserving traditions including creating new ones.  That is why IADL is committed to explaining the story of New Haven’s Columbus statue dedication in 1892.