Columbus dismissal

Dear Editor,
The Department of Education has eliminated Columbus Day as a school holiday. Instead, October 11th, will be known as Italian Heritage Day/Indigenous People’s Day.
I find this act by DOE most troubling.
I’m grand knight of St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus Council #5911 in Douglaston, and support the fact that Christopher Columbus, with his faults like the rest of humanity, opened up a new world with unlimited possibilities.
Our organization was founded in 1882 by Father Michael McGivney to help immigrants. I believe Christopher Columbus should be remembered for the good things he accomplished and not the negative.
Sincerely,
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Bellerose