Philadelphia is being ordered to remove the plywood box it placed over a statue of Christopher Columbus after 2020 protests over racial injustice.
FILE - A city worker measures the statue of Christopher Columbus at Marconi Plaza in Philadelphia, June 16, 2020. A judge ruled Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, that Philadelphia must remove the plywood box it placed over the statue after 2020 protests over racial injustice. – Philadelphia must remove the plywood box it placed over a statue of Christopher Columbus after 2020 protests over racial injustice, a judge ruled Friday.
“More to the point, the City accepted the donation of the Columbus statue in 1876. It has a fiduciary duty to preserve that statue, which it designated an historic object in 2017. The Columbus statue is not City property as is, for example, a City snowblower,” the judge wrote. “We will also continue to explore our options for a way forward that allows Philadelphians to celebrate their heritage and culture while respecting the histories and circumstances of everyone’s different backgrounds,” Lessard said via email.between the city and the Friends of Marconi Plaza, where the likeness stands.
Supporters say they consider Columbus an emblem of the deep Italian heritage in the city. A message seeking comment on Friday's ruling from the attorney representing the statue’s supporters was not immediately answered.
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