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City of Columbus, Ohio capital, removes Christopher Columbus from city hall

Published  July 2, 2020 8:14am EDT
News
Associated Press

Statue of Christopher Columbus removed From Columbus city hall

A statue of Christopher Columbus was removed from outside the Columbus, Ohio, city hall on Wednesday, July 1, after the city’s mayor, Andrew Ginther, called for it to come down.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio capital named for Christopher Columbus removed a large statue of him outside its city hall on Wednesday, taking down what the mayor described as a symbol of divisiveness and oppression.

The national outcry in recent weeks over racial injustice has amplified criticism that monuments to the explorer honor a legacy linked to the decimation of indigenous peoples.

Columbus city officials said the statue will be put in storage. Mayor Andrew Ginther has said he’s asked the Columbus Art Commission to help figure out what should replace the statue and to reevaluate related symbolism, such as the city’s seal and flag.

Columbus State Community College also recently removed its statue of the namesake.

Another statue of Columbus remains downtown outside the Ohio Statehouse, a few blocks from the city hall. The board that oversees the property is slated to meet July 16 to consider whether that statue should go, too.