The protests sweeping the nation following the killing of George Floyd are inarguably justified and the current discussion taking place about racism is far overdue. The continued glorification of historical figures who fought to preserve segregation has been an important factor in the development of a culture which has promoted and inbred racism into our social fabric.

However, the parties who wish to tear down or who have already torn down Christopher Columbus statues are misguided in their judgement and risk hijacking the present movement’s narrative to promote their own agenda. Most recently, this has been evident in towns such as Hartford, Middletown, New Haven, and New London where discussion about Columbus has seemingly diverted attention from the important issue raised by the death of George Floyd.