In a controversial decision, the Stamford Board of Education voted to remove Columbus Day and Veterans Day from the list of school holidays, requiring students to attend school on those dates.
The resolution, which passed by a 5-3 vote, overturned opposition from local veterans and Italian Americans in previous years.
Proponents of the proposal, Joshua Esses, Michael Heyman, Gabriella Cook, Versha Munshi South and Antonia Peter-Wears, called for a shorter school year, arguing that the 181-day calendar extending through mid-June is too long.
Isis proposed balancing the number of school days by eliminating not only Columbus and Veterans Day but also the Eid al-Fitr holiday, the end of Ramadan and the second day of Rosh Hashanah. However, the latest proposal found no favors among board members, leaving the focus on Columbus Day and veterans.
The proposal was initially brought up by board member Versha Munshi South during a business committee meeting on Jan. 9, according to the Stamford Advocate.
“The students were using primary sources to investigate the true history of Columbus, and I can tell you that based on the primary source research, no, they did not conclude that Columbus was a hero… I don't think it makes sense to teach students one thing in class and then “Get Columbus the day off. It's a mixed message for students.”
However, board member Becky Hamann expressed concerns about this approach, emphasizing the potential polarization in portraying Columbus as only evil and calling for a more balanced perspective.
The decision was met with mixed reactions. Stamford local and veteran Alfred Fusco of the Italian American Service Organization UNICO expressed his displeasure with the board's decision, highlighting the importance of Columbus Day and the importance of recognizing Veterans Day.
“It was a punch to the gut. It was terrible. She had no flair,” Fusco told ABC7.
“A lot of bad things happened in this country after the discovery, let's not whitewash them. I said that what happened on October 12, 1492, the discovery of America, was the most important event in the history of the human race,” Fusco added.
Woke leftists are now further erasing our history. They want to remove Veterans Day, but a full month for the “Pride” celebration.
Veterans Day is a time to honor and recognize the sacrifices made by veterans. These heroes have put their lives on the line and spent extensive time away from their families to serve their country, ensuring the safety and freedom of their fellow citizens.
“For the sake of your children’s mental health and the soul of this nation, I highly recommend removing your children from public schools,” veteran Marvin Ellis wrote on X. It may be difficult at first, but two years from now, believe me, you will thank yourself…”
