We’ve all heard of Christopher Columbus and how his exploration in 1492 led to him discovering westward land and what is now modern day America. Now, Columbus Day is celebrated around the world—in America, Spain, Italy, and other Little Italys—annually on the second monday of October. However, recently, there has been some opposition to the holiday and debates on whether Columbus Day should still be celebrated. So, should we celebrate Columbus Day? And should we have school on this day? Well, first of all, Columbus Day is a legal holiday in the United States and its territories, and some states choose to close state services in celebration. On the other hand, there are multiple states that don’t even claim the day as an official holiday or have replaced it will the celebration of something else. As we all know, Columbus’ discovery led to colonization in America and years of unethical treatment

towards Native Americans, so it’s evident why this is a controversial day. In response to this, states such as Alaska, Florida, Oregon, Hawaii, Vermont, and South Dakota have decided to recognize the day as Indigenous People’s Day instead. Iowa and Nevada don’t claim it as an official holiday, but are required to recognize and proclaim a day of celebration each year. Several states have even removed the day as a paid holiday. In Columbus, Ohio, the government chooses to honor veterans, and some tribes in Oklahoma renamed the day to Native Americans Day. Despite all of that, Columbus Day is still recognized in Wisconsin, but federal workers still have to go to work. So, should schools and federal businesses change and close on this day? Or should Wisconsin join in celebrating Indigenous People’s Day? Both sides have strong arguments that should be considered, so I’m leaving readers with one question: Do you think this controversial day should be replaced or should we close schools in honor of Columbus’ discovery?