St John’s University, New York’s largest Catholic institution, has made the decision to remove Columbus Day from its official school calendar. This move aligns St John’s with other Catholic universities in the area, such as Manhattan University, Seton Hall University, and Niagra University, who have also chosen to eliminate Columbus Day from their calendars.
Columbus Day, traditionally observed on the second Monday in October, commemorates Christopher Columbus’ arrival in America in 1492. Over the years, there has been growing concern raised by Indigenous activists regarding the celebration of Columbus and the narrative surrounding the European conquest, which resulted in the oppression and massacre of Indigenous populations.
Historians have highlighted evidence suggesting that Columbus and his expedition engaged in violent attacks, enslavement, and exploitation of native inhabitants during their exploration of the West Indies. Many Indigenous activists and scholars have advocated for changing the name of Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honour and recognise the true history and contributions of America’s first inhabitants.
In 2021, President Joe Biden issued the first-ever proclamation of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, emphasising the significance of America’s Indigenous populations and Tribal Nations. St John’s University’s decision to eliminate Columbus Day reflects a broader shift towards acknowledging and respecting Indigenous perspectives on historical events.
While some Catholic institutions like St John’s and Manhattan University maintain a “fall break” during the time Columbus Day was traditionally observed, others like Notre Dame University do not acknowledge the holiday at all. This decision by St John’s has sparked controversy, with Italian American alumni expressing disappointment and calling the move “insane” and “outrageous.”
Despite criticism from some alumni and community members, St John’s University stands by its decision to remove Columbus Day from its official calendar. The institution aims to create a more inclusive and historically accurate environment for its students and staff members.